A VPN will allow you to bypass some of the online restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Here’s what you need to know to use a VPN in KSA to access blocked websites, apps, and streams.
Saudi Arabia imposes significant restrictions on online content, including the blocking of popular social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Viber, along with hundreds of websites deemed incompatible with Islamic norms.
According to Freedom House, internet access in Saudi Arabia is categorized as 'not free,' citing extensive government surveillance and regulation of social media, as well as the use of a broadly worded cybercrime law to suppress critical online news and commentary.
In this environment, a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the perfect solution for individuals seeking access to blocked online content and apps in Saudi Arabia. Remarkably, approximately 30 percent of Saudi internet users have already turned to VPNs to navigate these restrictions, underscoring their popularity.
Beyond granting access to restricted websites and applications, a VPN also enhances online privacy. It achieves this by encrypting all data transmitted to and from your device and assigning you a different IP address. Consequently, this makes it challenging for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), local networks, and government authorities in Saudi Arabia to monitor your online activities.
However, it's important to note that not all VPNs work seamlessly in Saudi Arabia, as some have been blocked by content filters. Therefore, selecting a VPN provider should be done with careful consideration.
In the following section, we will provide a quick overview of VPN options available in Saudi Arabia. Scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help you discern between these options and pick the best VPN for all your needs.
The best VPNs for Saudi Arabia:
- NordVPN: Our number one pick for Saudi Arabia. High speeds, custom NordLynx protocol, various advanced features, audited apps and infrastructure, RAM-only servers, and ideal for streaming and torrenting. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Our top budget pick for Saudi Arabia. Unlimited device connections, solid encryption, RAM-only servers, fast speeds, and ideal for accessing blocked sites.
- ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly provider, custom Lightway protocol, unparalleled access to geo-restricted websites, Saudi servers, and fast connection speeds.
- Proton VPN: Reliable service packed with advanced features meant to improve security and privacy. Apps for all popular platforms, great for torrenting and streaming, and offers a capable free tier with some limitations.
- PrivateVPN: Sweden-based provider offering streaming support, WireGuard, a solid no-logs policy, and reliable AES encryption.
Summary Table
No value | TEST WINNER | No value | No value | No value | No value |
No value | NordVPN www.nordvpn.com | Surfshark www.surfshark.com | ExpressVPN www.expressvpn.com | Proton VPN www.protonvpn.com | PrivateVPN www.privatevpn.com |
Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Servers in Middle East | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Streaming Services | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer |
Number of Servers | 5,400 | 3,200 | 3,000 | 3,800 | 200+ |
Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 71 Mbps |
Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 10 | 10 |
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 Up to 74% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
$1.99 87% off 2yr starter plan + 4 months free! |
$4.99 Save 82% + 6 mo FREE |
$2.99 SAVE 70% |
$2.00 SAVE 85% on 3yr plan |
If you’re in need of a VPN for Saudi Arabia, many have been blocked in the country.
We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Saudi Arabia:
- The VPN must be accessible in Saudi Arabia
- Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task
- Strong privacy and security, including everything from features to available protocols
- In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party
For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.
Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia:
NordVPN is our top pick for anyone who needs a reliable VPN in Saudi Arabia. Numerous features improve your overall level of privacy and security, whether it’s the proprietary NordLynx protocol, or Double VPN (MultiHop).
It offers obfuscation, along with watertight encryption, a kill switch, and apps for all major devices. Nord has a zero-logs privacy policy, which ensures that it does not have any information about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps.
There’s a total of 5,900+ servers in 60+ countries, although this doesn’t include Saudi Arabia itself. Speeds average 196 Mbps, so it’s quick enough to avoid lag while streaming content from faraway servers. To that end, NordVPN works with a variety of popular streaming platforms including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and many more. It’s a great pick for expats in Saudi Arabia thanks to SmartPlay, which is effectively a built-in Smart DNS service with encryption.
24/7 live chat support and simple apps make it a user-friendly option, and it’s perfect for sidestepping online censorship and regional restrictions. The provider is based in Panama, and you’ll be able to connect up to six devices simultaneously. Meshnet is a private tunneling feature that was recently made free for non-subscribers.
A lack of servers in KSA means that it can’t be used to get an IP address from the region. It can also lag while switching servers, but it won’t leak any data in the process.
Pros:
- RAM-only servers
- Speedy NordLynx protocol
- Great for torrenting and streaming
- Lots of advanced privacy features like Tor over VPN
- Audited no logs policy
Cons:
- Some servers take longer to connect to
- No Saudi servers
BEST VPN FOR SAUDI ARABIA: NordVPN is ideal for expats and travelers who want to access content from home securely using a VPN. One of the few providers to work in KSA consistently, NordLynx, streaming support, fast speeds, diskless infrastructure, and more. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a low-cost option that is a viable solution for users in Saudi Arabia. It has RAM-only servers in a total of 100+ countries worldwide, including Riyadh for accessing local KSA services. The Saudi servers offer support for Private DNS and Camouflage mode. The latter works as a form of obfuscation to bypass content filtering.
The Riyadh location also supports WireGuard for faster speeds (175 Mbps), and it can be accessed with browser extensions. With no cap in terms of the number of devices you can connect to with a single account, it’s a great value proposition, especially when factoring in affordable subscriptions.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Firestick, along with support for Linux and routers. It works to access streaming platforms in popular regions like the United States, the UK, and elsewhere. CleanWeb scans your traffic for malware and blocks trackers and adverts. It’s included with all apps, as well as Surfshark’s Firefox and Chrome browser extensions.
Being based in the Netherlands isn’t ideal in terms of its jurisdiction, as the country is part of the Nine Eyes surveillance agreement. Surfshark uses diskless infrastructure to ensure that its servers can’t be raided, and it comes with a solid no-logs policy. It's a worthy option if you're looking for a Saudi Arabian IP address.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Affordable deals
- Audited zero logs policy
- Saudi Arabian servers
- Diskless infrastructure
Cons:
- Some servers are far slower than average
- Based in the Netherlands
BEST BUDGET VPN: Surfshark is a capable provider for Saudi Arabia, with enough privacy measures to keep you safe while traveling online. Unlimited devices, DNS leak protection, servers in 100+ countries, Camouflage mode, fast speeds, streaming support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
BVI-based ExpressVPN is one of the few providers with servers in the KSA. It offers a beginner-friendly service that lives up to its reputation. 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries is an impressive network, so there’s always a nearby location available.
It’s a great pick if you’re an expat hoping to access sites and services from back home, working with heavy-hitters like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Servers can also be used to stream via platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Sky TV, YouTube, ITV Hub, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max.
Lightway is a custom protocol with average speeds of 175 Mbps. You’ll also be able to connect via OpenVPN. As for features, it provides a kill switch, Smart DNS, obfuscation, and split tunneling.
As well as apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, it can be installed manually on Linux, and it comes with custom router firmware for Asus, Linksys, and Netgear models. You can also use ExpressVPN browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
In terms of flaws, eight simultaneous connections could be improved, especially when you consider that competitors like Surfshark allow for unlimited devices. ExpressVPN is also one of the more expensive options, even if it's great for accessing geo-blocked content without leaking your real IP address.
Pros:
- High speeds via the Lightway protocol
- Audited no logs policy
- Strong privacy and security features
- Can bypass most geo-restrictions
- Diskless infrastructure
Cons:
- Subscriptions are quite pricey
- No port forwarding
RELIABLE SAUDI ARABIA VPN: ExpressVPN is a trustworthy service with a knack for bypassing geo-blocks. Beginner-friendly apps, Lightway for faster speeds, obfuscation, and strong security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
4. Proton VPN
Proton VPN offers a decent free tier with a trio of server locations and no bandwidth cap. The free version does come with a number of limitations, so for the purposes of this list, we’re going to focus on the Plus version of Proton VPN.
It’s one of the fastest VPNs on the market, with average speeds that exceed 320 Mbps. This might be due to the ‘VPN Accelerator’ feature, which is enabled by default on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Proton allows port forwarding and split tunneling. It can access a wide collection of streaming services. For example, US servers work with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime. You’ll find Tor over VPN servers for added privacy, as well as NetShield, which works to block malware, ads, and trackers.
Secure Core servers are another notable addition, and may prove useful in Saudi Arabia. These bare metal servers are found in countries with strong privacy laws, and can be used to route your data with increased protection. Secure Core can also be used in conjunction with Proton’s Stealth protocol for a near-unbeatable level of privacy.
A lack of dedicated live chat support is a negative, made all the more apparent when considering the asking price is higher than average. Proton is based in Switzerland.
Pros:
- Lots of advanced privacy features
- Decent free tier with various limitations
- Good streaming access
- Secure Core servers
Cons:
- No Saudi servers
- Lacks live chat
ADVANCED SAUDI VPN: Proton VPN offers advanced features like Secure Core servers, NetShield, and Tor over VPN, alongside a decent free tier, and strong streaming support. Impressive speeds, 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Proton VPN.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is another viable option for anyone in Saudi Arabia. It has a smaller network of 200+ server locations in 63+ countries, opting for a case of quality, rather than quantity. The good news is that it also works in other censorship-heavy countries, like China and South Korea. Bare metal servers are controlled by the provider, which improves security due to no need for third-party involvement.
A lack of servers does make it tough to access some online content, but the VPN can be used to access various popular streaming sites in the US and the UK, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. PrivateVPN is also great for P2P as it supports port forwarding, so you’ll be able to seed torrents more efficiently.
PrivateVPN will hide your real IP address, and it's especially helpful in more restrictive countries. It comes with a strict no-logs policy, along with the basics like a kill switch, and strong 256-bit encryption. The Swedish provider doesn’t store any user logs, and there are apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Connection speeds are a slight letdown, coming in at just under 40 Mbps. It’s still quick enough for most online tasks, but it’s slow compared to every other provider that we’ve listed above.
Pros:
- Works within Saudi Arabia
- Accesses a wide range of geo-restricted content
- Live chat support is available 24/7
- Solid no-logs policy and reliable AES encryption
Cons:
- Lacking a few advanced features
- Slower connection speeds
SECURE STREAMING: PrivateVPN lives up to the name, and will be helpful for users in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. Decent speeds, great for streaming, kill switch, port forwarding, and Stealth VPN. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia
When selecting the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia, we used a strict set of criteria as part of our testing methodology process to narrow down the field. Here are some of the considerations we took into account.
- Servers and accessibility: Most importantly, will the VPN work in KSA? We’ve also checked out the network strength in surrounding areas, as well as looking at coverage in popular locations such as the United States and the UK for travelers and expats. Ideally, you'll be able to get a Saudi IP address.
- Speeds and performance: In Saudi Arabia, mobile speeds can reach 180 Mbps. The VPN should be fast and able to stream content in 4K, ensuring no noticeable slowdown while browsing. It must be able to access geo-restricted content and other online services.
- Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. This is especially important in Saudi Arabia.
- Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
- Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.
How to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia
Despite various VPNs being blocked in KSA, it’s not difficult to use a provider as long as its website is accessible. We’ve put together a quick guide taking you through the necessary steps to set up and use a VPN in Saudi Arabia:
Here’s how to set up a VPN in Saudi Arabia:
- Pick a VPN service. We’ve listed various top options above that work in Saudi Arabia, and NordVPN is our top recommendation.
- Sign up, and download the app to your device.
- Open the VPN app, and log in.
- Select a server location from the list and wait to be connected.
That’s all it takes to get started. You’ll be able to access content available in the region that you’ve connected to, and your data will be encrypted in the process.
Regain access to VoIP services in Saudi Arabia with a VPN
Whether you are visiting Saudi Arabia on vacation, traveling for work, or living there on a permanent basis, a VPN can help you bypass VoIP blocks to use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber, and any other free video call apps that are blocked in the country. This will enable you to make free calls without being tracked by Saudi ISPs.
Please remember that using VoIP apps is technically prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The government controls a majority share in the nation's telecoms industry, which is why it prefers people to make traditional phone calls. In addition, the government enforces widespread surveillance, which means it does not like people making private encrypted calls via the internet.
It's essential to use reliable and secure VPNs that will completely prevent the government from finding out that you bypassed the rules. Please remember that many VPNs lack encryption and suffer from leaks that will allow your ISP to track you online. This is why you must stick to recommended VPNs with strong encryption, a kill switch, and preferably obfuscation. A VPN connection will allow the user to access VoIP services with ease, but DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy will be especially useful from a privacy perspective.
Picking a VPN at random online is risky because there are many inferior services that will not adequately protect you. Due to the legal situation in Saudi Arabia, we urge you to do your own research before using a VPN. Consider the legal implications of the services you want to unblock and remember that you always use a VPN at your own risk. Nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice.
Saudi Arabia VPN FAQs
Can I use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia?
The majority of free Saudi Arabian VPN services aren’t going to be able to get the job done, especially if you’re worried about privacy or online security.
Free providers have been found to include malware, or may lack the encryption necessary to keep your data safe. Some free VPNs sell user data, defeating the purpose if you’re attempting to mask your online movements.
Everything from speeds to bandwidth is likely to be capped, and free VPNs tend to struggle when accessing popular streaming services. If you’re in desperate need of a free service, Proton has a decent tier with no bandwidth cap.
Are VPNs legal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, VPNs are legal to download and use in Saudi Arabia, but some providers have been blocked in the country. If you can’t access a VPN website to sign up for the service, it might be tough to get it working on your device.
Can I use my phone normally in Saudi Arabia?
You’ll be able to use your phone normally while in Saudi Arabia. Some apps and websites may be blocked, which is why we’d recommend downloading and installing a VPN app before you enter the country just in case.
If you plan to register a new SIM card in Saudi Arabia, you may need to hand over identification and biometric data to do so.
How can I check if my IP address has been changed to match Saudi Arabia?
The easiest way to check if your IP address has changed to match a Saudi Arabian location is to enter ‘what is my ip’ into Google. To get a Saudi IP address, you’ll need a VPN with servers in KSA. Surfshark has a speedy location in Riyadh.
Is it safe to video call in Saudi Arabia?
Various VoIP services were banned in Saudi Arabia back in 2013, for failing to comply with regulations in the country. This included the likes of WhatsApp, Skype, Facetime, and other popular internet calling apps. However, these restrictions were later lifted in 2017, so you’ll be able to access VoIP apps in KSA without being blocked.
Of course, local authorities will still be able to see what you’re up to, unless you mask your online activity with a VPN.
How does Saudi Arabia monitor the internet?
All international internet traffic is routed through a proxy farm located in King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, where it goes through a content filter. It’s estimated that over 500,000 websites were blocked in the country between 2007 and 2020.
Comments
Moose99709 - 11 months ago
There is a lot of hype going around Saudi recently that VPNs are now illegal and having a VPN could cost a million SAR fine or a year in jail. This is apparently from some recent news articles. Can the author confirm this?