Best VPNs for Asia in 2024: Top picks for speed and security

If you're traveling in Asia and want to access geo-blocked content or increase your online security, a VPN for Asia can help. Here we tell you the best VPNs for the continent.

Do you want to stream South Korean dramas while on vacation? Maybe you're learning Japanese and want to watch TV Asahi or TVer from abroad. A VPN for Asia is the best solution, whether you're struggling to access content like Middle East Eye in the United Arab Emirates or traveling to China and want to use Facebook or Google services.

The best VPNs for Asia offer online privacy, protection from public WiFi hackers, and access to region-locked services worldwide. This includes bypassing censorship in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

With a VPN, you can hide your IP address from the websites you visit and prevent local networks and ISPs from tracking your activities. This privacy gives you peace of mind and freedom of access. You can even use a VPN to bypass restrictions at work or on campus in Asia – without your boss finding out!

Not all VPNs are fast or secure enough for users in Asia. In this guide, we conducted precise tests to find reliable VPNs that cater to people living in or visiting Asia. All our recommendations work to stream popular services like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in Asia. We also selected VPNs with plenty of servers in Asia, giving you access to any regional services that interest you. Keep reading for in-depth summaries.

The best VPNs for Asia in 2024:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for Asia. RAM-only servers in 12+ Asian countries and very fast connection speeds. It provides one-click access to the Tor network and can bypass Chinese blocks. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Asia. Unlimited device connections and RAM-only servers in 29+ Asian countries. Has static IP addresses available and can rotate users’ IP addresses in session. Great for streaming and works in China. 

3. ExpressVPN: Has an Onion site on the Tor network for private sign-up, and RAM-only servers in 26+ Asian countries. Great for streaming, with fast connection speeds. Enables connections in mainland China and has a dedicated app for routers.

4. Proton VPN: High-security servers available in 16+ Asian countries. Provides one-click access to the Tor network and allows port forwarding. A good choice for both streaming and torrenting, with decent speeds.

5. CyberGhost VPN: Very fast connection speeds and RAM-only servers in 25+ Asian countries. Audited no-logs policy and optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Issues quarterly transparency reports detailing third-party data requests.

6. PrivateVPN: Independent provider with servers in 14+ Asian countries. Its stealth mode can bypass Chinese VPN blocks and it works well with a range of streaming platforms. Good for torrenting as it allows port forwarding. 

Summary Table

While plenty of subscription-based VPNs operate servers in Asia, relatively few have the features we consider necessary for providing a safe and secure service. The things we consider before making our recommendations are summarized below. We have a more detailed section on our testing methodology later in the article. 

• Servers in Asia
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Ability to access streaming services
• Good value for money
• User-friendly apps
• Helpful customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs for Asia

Now let’s explore each of our recommended VPN providers for Asia in a little more detail:

NordVPN is the best VPN for users in Asia for various reasons. It delivers exceptional speeds, fantastic privacy features, and a network of diskless servers that extends to 111+ countries. This includes servers in 11+ Asian countries (Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia). 

Our tests proved that NordVPN reliably accesses a large selection of Asian platforms. It also allows users in Asia to bypass censorship and access region-locked services like BBC iPlayer or Netflix USA.

Security and privacy

NordVPN excels in providing robust security features, including military-grade AES-256 encryption via OpenVPN and the robust ChaCha20 algorithm when using its proprietary NordLynx protocol. The latter provides robust digital privacy and excellent speeds for streaming and torrenting.

During our tests, the VPN successfully passed all leak tests, confirming no DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks. This means you can use the VPN to stop local networks (work, school, or public WiFi) from tracking your activities. It also means the VPN is effectively hiding your home IP address from the websites you visit. 

We love that NordVPN operates a network of self-owned, RAM-only servers. This setup ensures that no third parties are involved in its network, and it allows the VPN provider to erase all data passing through a server simply by rebooting it. This feature is particularly beneficial in protecting users against potential government raids or other emergencies. Additionally, since the servers rely on RAM, the data is continuously overwritten, leading to data minimization by design.

NordVPN is also highly transparent and has a trusted no-logging policy. These policies, along with the quality of its apps, can be trusted due to independent audits conducted by Deloitte. This level of transparency significantly increases user trust, especially for those in Asia who want assurance that they can bypass network-level or government restrictions without being tracked.

It’s worth noting that NordVPN caters to users in restrictive countries like China, Iran, and Vietnam by offering obfuscated servers. These servers make VPN traffic appear as regular HTTPS traffic, helping users connect in regions with VPN blocks while preventing ISPs from detecting VPN usage.

Performance and speed

Users in Asia want a fast VPN that they can rely on to gain privacy when doing everyday tasks such as streaming, gaming, making video calls, accessing social media, and torrenting. The good news is that despite being very fairly priced and extremely strong in terms of privacy, NordVPN is among the fastest.

We started by testing three server locations using our dedicated test server with a Gigabit line. These tests revealed that NordVPN is consistent across all of the locations we tested. We detected an average global top speed of 196 Mbps, which is extremely impressive.

To check how these speeds translate to regular home usage, we also tested the VPN using a laptop connected to a 35 Mbps home broadband setup in Canada (Cogeco). You can see the results of our home tests below:

• Japan server: Achieved a download speed of 30.94 Mbps, reflecting a 11.60% decrease.

• US server: Achieved a download speed of 29.46 Mbps, reflecting a 15.83% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Achieved a download speed of 29.54 Mbps, reflecting a 15.60% decrease.

The speed results we obtained from NordVPN were extremely impressive. Our home tests show that, in addition to having plenty of bandwidth, Nord’s servers deliver fantastic performance under regular home broadband conditions. This makes it a reliable option for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

It’s also worth noting that our speeds remained excellent when connected to servers in Japan and Hong Kong, despite being thousands of miles away in Canada. The only real drawback with NordVPN is that it can take up to 30 seconds to connect. However, once connected, the VPN is highly stable and fast – which is what matters most.

Features

When it comes to features, NordVPN is extremely good – especially considering the price point. The VPN offers several advanced features that help to make the VPN more useful and versatile. 

The split tunneling feature is handy for streaming local Asian content while also securely browsing any services that are restricted by ISPs. Many people use this feature to torrent via the VPN, while doing other non-sensitive tasks using your regular internet.

The kill switch function works at the system level and prevents any data from traveling over the internet outside of the VPN tunnel. This ensures that you never reveal your activities to local networks or ISPs. We tested the kill switch thoroughly by crashing the app and were happy to find that the VPN never leaked our home IP address.

The auto-connect feature is perfect for users who often use their devices on public WiFi networks. You can set it to connect to the VPN anytime you encounter an unknown network. This helps to protect you against Evil Twin hotspots set up by hackers in coffee shops and other public locations. You can set up trusted networks that will ignore the auto-connect feature if you want to.

The MultiHop feature lets you bounce your connection through two different locations, which provides an additional layer of encryption and helps to prevent dangers associated with correlation attacks. The VPN also includes Tor over VPN servers, which means you can access the Dark Web without your ISP knowing.

The only real drawback is that port forwarding isn’t available with NordVPN. This feature is sometimes needed by users who torrent and want to seed regularly. If you want port forwarding, you should consider one of our other recommended VPNs for Asia. 

Global server network

NordVPN operates an extensive network of over 6,000 servers in 111+ locations, including servers in 11+ Asian countries. Whether you're trying to access blocked content in China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, or elsewhere in Asia, NordVPN has you covered.

The VPN also makes it easy to access region-locked content like Netflix USA, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It is a highly reliable option for changing your IP address, watching foreign TV, accessing regional sports broadcasts, or getting localized Google search results from different countries.

While NordVPN doesn’t have dedicated streaming servers, you can use any of its regular servers to bypass streaming blocks. However, it does offer servers for torrenting, accessing Tor, using MultiHop, and gaining added obfuscation. These are ideal for users who need extra privacy.

To make selecting the best server simple, you can choose from the server list or connect quickly using the map.

Streaming

NordVPN excels at unblocking streaming services from all around the world. We were able to access regional Netflix catalogs in Japan, the USA, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. The VPN also works to watch popular Japanese services like TVer, Hulu Japan, and TV Asahi. Our tests revealed that it can also access popular Korean streaming services like Coupang Play and Wavve.

Additionally, NordVPN works with other major Asian platforms, such as iQIYI and Youku in China, and Viu – a top streaming platform that offers popular dramas and variety shows from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and across Southeast Asia.

We were also able to watch Hotstar, the leading service in India for movies, sports, and TV shows, as well as the Chinese service Tencent Video, which may appeal to viewers across the region.

With NordVPN, you can enjoy a diverse array of Asian content, or access regional content from the West while in Asia. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder for any internet users preoccupied with increasing their streaming options. 

In our tests, NordVPN worked to watch HBO Max, Disney+, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, TenPlay, Canal+, Joyn, and dozens of other international services from Asia.

Ease of use

NordVPN offers excellent custom apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Firestick. The apps are consistent across devices, so no matter which platform you're using, the interface will feel familiar and easy to navigate.

For users in Asia with smart TVs or gaming consoles that don’t natively support VPNs, NordVPN provides solutions. You can either set up a VPN-protected WiFi hotspot or install NordVPN on a compatible router (with guides available for various brands and models).

NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat support ensures you can always get assistance, no matter the time of day. We tested the support team with a series of challenging questions and were pleased with the speed and quality of their responses. This means you'll never be left without help, no matter your issue.

Additionally, NordVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service or compare it to other recommended VPNs for Asia.

Buy NordVPN if you are looking for:

• A VPN with fast, reliable performance for streaming and browsing.

• Industry-leading security features, including AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers.

• A VPN that works in censored regions like China or Vietnam.

• A VPN with servers available in 11+ countries in Asia

• Access to over 6,000 servers in 111+ countries for global coverage.

Don't buy NordVPN if:

• You require port forwarding for torrent seeding.

TOP CHOICE FOR ASIA: NordVPN is the leading option thanks to its fast speeds, advanced privacy features, and global server network. It’s ideal for streaming, unblocking, and maintaining secure online privacy. Backed by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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Surfshark is a standout choice for users in Asia seeking an affordable yet feature-rich VPN. Launched in 2018, it has quickly built a reputation for delivering high-quality service, offering robust privacy features, and enabling seamless access to both local and international content. It is particularly effective for users looking to bypass geo-restrictions, access regional content, or ensure security on public WiFi.

Features

Despite its affordable price point starting at just US$2.19 per month, Surfshark comes packed with advanced features. It offers servers in over 110 countries, making it a versatile option for accessing Asian content from abroad. Custom apps are available for all platforms with split tunneling, a kill switch (Bypasser), and DNS leak protection.

Surfshark's IP rotation feature provides an extra layer of privacy by periodically changing your IP address without disconnecting you from the server. Just bear in mind that you’ll want to avoid this feature when accessing streaming accounts, or services that may flag your account for suspicious behavior if your IP address keeps changing. 

The MultiHop function routes your traffic through two servers for enhanced privacy. This encrypts your traffic twice and makes it harder for anyone to track your online activities.

For users in restrictive countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Surfshark's NoBorders mode helps to conceal VPN traffic by disguising it as regular HTTPS. This allows you to bypass sophisticated firewalls and VPN blocks. Surfshark also has a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Another significant advantage of Surfshark is its unlimited device connections, which makes it awesome value for money and ideal for larger families or people who own many devices.

Streaming

Surfshark offers impressive compatibility with regional streaming platforms. You can use it to expand your streaming horizons from within Asia by watching US TV platforms, British TV, or services from other Asian countries. 

We tested the VPN and were able to access a wide variety of services including a dozen Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu, and HBO Max. Servers in Japan work to watch NHK, Hulu Japan, TVer, and many others. And if you are a fan of K Dramas, you can connect to the South Korean server to watch platforms like Wavve. 

Indian servers work to watch Hotstar and SonyLIV, and it even has servers in China to watch platforms like iQIYI and Youku. We also connected to servers in Hong Kong to watch Viu. Speeds were super throughout, providing buffer-free viewing.

Privacy

Surfshark has an excellent reputation for privacy and data security. It operates a diskless server network, meaning no user data is stored on physical drives. This setup means that data is wiped with every server reboot, which results in automatic data minimization and the ability to wipe everything in an emergency by pulling the plug. 

The VPN also has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring no tracking of user activities or connection logs.

All Surfshark subscribers can pick between the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. These are both known for their strong encryption and security. In our leak tests, Surfshark showed no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, proving its reliability in keeping users' online activities private. You can see the results below.

For users in countries with heavy censorship, the NoBorders mode is perfect for disguising VPN traffic to prevent detection by ISPs. This helps you get connected and ensures you can access censored platforms without being tracked. 

Speed

A reliable VPN must have fast servers that don't mess with your speed. This ensures that you can still stream in HD and play games while connected to the VPN. The good news is that Surfshark’s network of over 3,500 servers provides impressive speeds, especially if you choose its WireGuard protocol.

In our tests using a dedicated 1 Gbps server, Surfshark delivered an average top speed of 188 Mbps. This gives it plenty of overhead for normal home users. 

Next, we ran real-world speed tests using a 92 Mbps home broadband connection in the UK with the following results:

• Japan: Download speed of 64 Mbps, representing a 30.43% decrease.

• US (New York server): Download speed of 77.94 Mbps, representing a 15.28% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Download speed of 74.29 Mbps, representing a 19.25% decrease.

These speeds highlight Surfshark's consistency across its global network, making it more than capable of handling HD streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities. 

Ease of use

Surfshark’s user-friendly apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The interface is clean and intuitive, with easy access to advanced features like split tunneling and MultiHop. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

For devices that don't natively support VPNs, such as some smart TVs and gaming consoles, Surfshark provides a Smart DNS feature that enables access to US streaming services. Alternatively, you can set up Surfshark on a compatible router to secure all devices on your network.

24/7 live chat support is available to help with any issues, and a 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try Surfshark first.

Buy this VPN if you are looking for:

• A budget-friendly VPN for accessing content across Asia and beyond.

• Unlimited device connections on a single subscription.

• Advanced privacy features like IP rotation, diskless servers, and obfuscation.

• Fast, consistent speeds for HD streaming and gaming.

• A 30-day money-back guarantee for testing.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

• You prefer a VPN with a more minimalistic app interface without add-on security features.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ASIA: Surfshark offers exceptional value for streaming Asian content and bypassing geo-restrictions. It provides high-speed servers, strong privacy features, and unlimited connections, all backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands. Launched in 2009, the VPN is perfect for users in Asia due to its reputation for fast, secure connections to servers in over 100 countries. While it comes with a higher price tag than some of its competitors (starting at $8.33 per month), it offers a reliable and robust VPN experience with servers optimized for both local and international content access across Asia.

Features

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android that come with all the features users need to get privacy and accessibility in Asia. It includes a kill switch that operates at the system level, ensuring your data is never exposed if the VPN connection drops. 

All the apps offer a choice of protocols, including OpenVPN which includes obfuscation by default. This allows you to prevent your ISP from detecting VPN use in countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Users also get access to its custom-built Lightway protocol, which has been open-sourced and independently audited for security and performance (this means you can now trust this protocol for privacy purposes). Lightway is designed for faster, more reliable connections, even on slower networks – so use it when you want to stream, torrent, or play games.

Split tunneling is available to route specific apps through the VPN while letting others use your regular internet. This is particularly useful for users in Asia who want to stream local content while using the VPN for other activities like secure torrenting.

ExpressVPN also includes DNS-based filtering to block ads, trackers, and malware. This not only enhances security but also helps speed up browsing by blocking unnecessary content. 

You also get a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer that helps you unlock US services in Asia – even on devices that won't let you install a VPN directly. Finally, you can install and use ExpressVPN on up to eight devices at the same time, which is usually enough for most families and power users. 

Streaming

ExpressVPN is popular due to its ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services. It reliably accesses popular Asian platforms and international services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

We tested various server locations across Asia and found that ExpressVPN provided stable connections for streaming with minimal buffering. We were able to access Japanese services like Hulu, TVer, and NHK. We could also watch services in South Korea (Wavve and Coupang Play), Thailand (LINE TV), and India (Hotstar).

The only slight drawback is that ExpressVPN has decided to remove its servers in China. While it still has servers in Hong Kong, you may prefer another service if you want to watch Chinese services like iQIYI.

To help users even further, ExpressVPN provides a MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature. This works to watch US streaming services on devices like game consoles and smart TVs, even if they won't let you install the VPN app directly.  

The only drawback is that ExpressVPN doesn't label its streaming-optimized servers. This means that you may need to try a few different servers to find one that works to stream the service you are interested in. Despite this, its extensive network and reliable unblocking capabilities make it an excellent choice for users across Asia.

Privacy

Privacy and security is the most important aspect of any VPN. ExpressVPN performs excellently in this department, ensuring that your online activities always remain confidential regardless of where you travel in Asia. 

The VPN provides OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. This means you can trust the VPN to protect your browsing activities against local networks, ISPs, government snoops, and the threat of hackers on public WiFi. 

ExpressVPN’s network is implemented with RAM-only servers that can be wiped remotely in case of emergencies. This not only means that each server has a limited amount of memory that is constantly being overwritten with the new data that passes through it (great for data minimization) but also means that all data is wiped every time a server is rebooted.

We conducted extensive leak tests on ExpressVPN, and it passed with flying colors, showing no signs of IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. This makes it a solid choice for users in Asia who require watertight privacy and security.

For those visiting countries with heavy censorship, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation feature on OpenVPN disguises VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, bypassing restrictions and allowing access to blocked services like Facebook and YouTube.

Performance and speed

ExpressVPN has a decent reputation with consumers who use their VPN for data-intensive tasks like streaming and gaming. To check whether this reputation is valid we ran a series of speed tests. We started with server-based tests that allowed us to find the VPN’s average top speed. 

ExpressVPN delivers impressive top speeds of 176 Mbps, making it suitable for activities like HD streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. This ensures a smooth experience even when connecting to servers in distant locations.

To check how the VPN is likely to work under normal home circumstances, we also tested ExpressVPN using a home broadband connection with average download speeds of 40 Mbps on the day of testing. This gives you an idea of how the VPN is likely to work under normal home circumstances. Here are the results:

• Japan: Download speed of 26.21 Mbps, representing a 34.48% decrease.

• US (New York server): Download speed of 31.27 Mbps, representing a 21.83% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Download speed of 24.31 Mbps, representing a 39.23% decrease.

These results show that ExpressVPN can maintain fast and reliable speeds across its global network, making it a decent option for users in Asia who need consistent performance.

Ease of use

ExpressVPN is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its apps feature a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to connect to a server, even for those new to VPNs. All the settings are accessible from a single menu page, allowing users to easily configure features like split tunneling, the kill switch, and DNS filtering without hassle.

For devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles, ExpressVPN offers a router app to protect your entire network. If setting up the router app seems too tricky, you can purchase a pre-configured router with ExpressVPN already installed.

This was also the first VPN to provide 24/7 live chat support, a decision that directly affected the entire top half of the VPN industry. It also has an extensive library of FAQs and setup guides on its website, which makes setting up and using the VPN easier and gives the agents plenty of resources to point subscribers to.

Finally, ExpressVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the VPN to compare it to any other option and be sure that you are happy before proceeding with your subscription.

Buy ExpressVPN if you are looking for:

• A user-friendly VPN that works seamlessly across all major platforms.

• Consistently high speeds for HD streaming and gaming.

• Reliable access to global streaming services and regional content in Asia.

• Proven privacy features, including a no-logs policy and RAM-only servers.

• A VPN that works to access Netflix US.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

• You’re on a tight budget.

• You require advanced features like MultiHop servers or port forwarding.

EXCELLENT ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN offers high-speed connections, strong privacy, and the ability to unblock any website that interests you while in Asia. It's a top choice for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. It also includes obfuscation to make it safer to bypass censorship in countries like China and Thailand.  You can try it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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Proton VPN is a popular service developed by the team behind Proton Mail. This gives the service an impeccable reputation. It also means that the VPN is based in Switzerland; a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives. 

While it might not be the easiest VPN on this list, this is only because it has more features. This makes it more versatile and helps to improve value for money for its users. As a result, we strongly recommend this VPN for advanced users in Asia who need features like MultiHop, Tor over VPN, and port forwarding. 

Features

Proton VPN provides an impressive array of advanced features tailored for tech-savvy users seeking more customization. It operates servers in over 112+ countries, providing excellent global coverage for users in Asia who want unrestricted internet freedom. That includes servers in 11+ different Asian countries.

The VPN offers split tunneling, which means you can pick and choose which apps on your computer use the VPN connection. This means you can torrent with the VPN while using your regular internet for other purposes. 

Best of all, this VPN includes port forwarding that opens a random port each session. This allows you to open that port in your torrent client to allow for optimized seeding. The only slight annoyance is that you have to go and open the random port number in your client each session.

MultiHop connections route your traffic through multiple servers for enhanced security, and the Secure Core servers are hosted in hardened locations designed to resist physical raids. These self-hosted servers are ideal for users who need stronger data security but are not recommended for streaming because they slow down your connection more than the regular servers.

Other advanced features include obfuscation for use in countries with strict censorship, Tor over VPN to prevent ISPs from knowing you are accessing the Tor network, and NetShield to block ads, trackers, and malware. The VPN also has a handy map to make picking a server location easier!

Streaming

Proton VPN is a solid option for streaming content from Asia and other regions worldwide. It provides fast servers capable of accessing many international streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. 

We tested Proton VPN extensively and found it worked seamlessly with Asian streaming platforms in Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. For example, we could watch LINE TV in Thailand, MeWATCH in Singapore, TVer in Japan, Wavve in South Korea, and Tonton in Malaysia.

Streaming-optimized servers are marked with a triangle symbol in the app, making it easier to find servers suited for streaming. Just bear in mind that you may still need to hunt for a server that works (we tested three different servers with a play symbol in Singapore to find one that worked to watch MeWATCH).

Privacy

Proton VPN is a great option for netizens in Asia concerned about online privacy. The apps come with a truly exceptional suite of security features. This includes AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard with ChaCha20, and a Stealth protocol that offers obfuscation to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries like China.

DNS and IPv6 leak protection are enabled by default, ensuring that your real location and browsing activities are hidden from websites, ISPs, and network administrators. Our tests confirmed that Proton VPN effectively prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, safeguarding your privacy no matter where in Asia you connect. You can see the results of our tests below.

Proton VPN also provides self-owned Secure Core servers that are hosted in highly secure locations. You can use these servers if you have an elevated threat model and need hardened security. Just bear in mind that SC servers are a touch slower, so it's better not to use them for streaming or torrenting. 

Advanced features like MultiHop, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN are also available to further enhance your online anonymity. Plus, Proton VPN has undergone independent third-party audits of its network, apps, and policies, meaning you can completely trust its service. 

You can also use the NetShield feature to block ads, trackers, and malware, which offers an additional layer of protection and improved page load times.

Speeds

Proton VPN balances strong privacy features with solid performance. We tested the VPN using both a dedicated server and a regular home broadband connection to evaluate its real-world speeds.

On our dedicated test server, Proton VPN achieved a global top speed of 303 Mbps. This is a highly impressive result that proves the VPN has plenty of bandwidth for demanding tasks like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. 

Next, we tested the VPN under normal home broadband conditions. On the day of testing our baseline speed was 113 Mbps without the VPN. Here are the results of our tests:

• Japan: Download speed of 80.60 Mbps, representing a 28.67% decrease.

• US (New York server): Download speed of 95.83 Mbps, representing a 15.19% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Download speed of 38 Mbps, representing a 66.37% decrease. 

While these speeds may not be the fastest on this list, they are still ok for streaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive tasks. However, the Hong Kong servers did not perform well on the day of testing, which was quite disappointing. If top speeds are your main priority, you might prefer alternatives like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Ease of use

Proton VPN offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Each subscriber is allowed to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. This makes it a great option for families or power users who need to protect multiple devices. 

It is also worth noting that although this VPN is harder for beginners to learn to use, it includes helpful tooltips that explain each feature. This means that you can learn to use the VPN and get the most out of the service, even if you are a beginner – it won’t take too long.

Proton VPN also offers a free plan with no bandwidth cap, allowing users to test the service before committing to a premium subscription. Just bear in mind that the free servers are slower and don’t allow streaming.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to try the full version risk-free. Customer support is available via live chat within the member’s area, just click on your user name in the top right of the website to find it.

Buy ProtonVPN if you are looking for:

• A privacy-focused VPN with advanced features like Secure Core, MultiHop, and Tor over VPN.

• Fast servers in 85+ countries for streaming and general internet use.

• Customizable options such as split tunneling and port forwarding.

• A no-logs policy backed by independent audits.

• A VPN that works to watch Netflix USA in Asia.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

• You’re looking for significant long-term subscription discounts.

ADVANCED FEATURES: Proton VPN offers top-tier privacy tools and extensive global coverage, making it an ideal choice for users in Asia who value security and customization. With a free plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s a strong option for both casual users and privacy advocates alike.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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CyberGhost VPN is an excellent low-cost VPN suitable for users in Asia seeking to unblock region-restricted content and prevent online tracking. This beginner-friendly VPN offers fast speeds, solid privacy features, and streaming-optimized servers for dozens of countries. This includes streaming servers in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India. 

Despite its budget-friendly price, CyberGhost delivers all the essentials to bypass restrictions without being tracked by local networks, ISPs, or Asian government agencies. 

Privacy

A low-cost VPN is only advisable if it offers robust privacy protections. The good news is that following our thorough analysis and testing, we found CyberGhost to be well above its pay grade. This makes it a trustworthy choice for users in Asia who prioritize online security. 

The VPN uses AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, and the modern ChaCha20 protocol when you connect using its faster WireGuard protocol. These encryption standards ensure that your data remains private and secure, even when using unsecured public WiFi networks.

CyberGhost has undergone a third-party audit of its apps, infrastructure, and policies. This means you can fully trust its apps and no logging policy. The VPN stores no records of your activities or any of the servers you connect to.

We tested the VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks and were pleased to find it effectively prevented any leaks that would allow tracking at the hands of local networks, ISPs, or government agencies. The VPN also releases quarterly transparency reports, providing users with insights into any data requests it receives from authorities. You can see the result of our leak tests below.

The only real consideration for users in Asia is the lack of obfuscation, which makes CyberGhost less suitable for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions like China. If you're planning to travel to countries with heavy restrictions, or elevated levels of surveillance, you may need a different VPN from this guide.

Streaming

CyberGhost is optimized for streaming, with specialized servers for specific services across numerous countries worldwide. These streaming servers make it much easier to find a server that works with the streaming platform that interests you. 

That said, if the VPN doesn’t list a server for your specific streaming account don’t worry – we found that many of the streaming servers worked with other platforms. For example, we were able to use the CyberGhost Netflix-Korea server to watch Naver TV.

The VPN also excels in streaming international platforms. During our tests, CyberGhost successfully worked to watch Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other regional services without buffering or interruptions.

Speed and performance

Despite its affordable pricing, CyberGhost VPN is known for delivering superb speeds for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. 

We put CyberGhost to the test, both on our dedicated test server with a Gigabit connection and using Virgin Media home broadband in Britain. The average top speed on our dedicated server was an impressive 289 Mbps, placing CyberGhost among the top VPNs for performance.

On the day of testing, my Virgin Media home broadband had an average download speed of 140 Mbps. Here’s how CyberGhost performed using the Windows client on an Asus Zenbook Pro laptop:

• Japan: Download speed of 104 Mbps, representing a 25.71% decrease.

• US (New York server): Download speed of 112 Mbps, representing a 20.00% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Download speed of 82 Mbps, representing a 41.43% decrease.

While these speeds were slightly lower than our top VPN recommendations, they were still sufficient for streaming HD content without buffering. This makes CyberGhost a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and affordable VPN service.

Features

CyberGhost offers a comprehensive set of features tailored to ensure secure and flexible internet use. With over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, CyberGhost provides broad coverage, helping you access content from various regions with ease.

The Smart Rules feature lets you automate your VPN connection, ensuring it activates when launching specific apps or when joining public WiFi networks. This proactive feature guarantees that your data remains secure, even if you inadvertently connect to an unsecured network. Additionally, CyberGhost includes DNS-based ad and tracker blocking, which boosts privacy and speeds up page load times.

CyberGhost also has a random port selection tool for OpenVPN, allowing users to connect more easily on networks that block standard VPN ports. However, it lacks some advanced features, such as MultiHop, port forwarding, and obfuscation. If these features are essential to you, it may be worth considering an alternative VPN provider.

Ease of use

CyberGhost is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. The apps are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV, supporting up to seven simultaneous connections. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, with straightforward settings that even novices can navigate effortlessly.

For devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t natively support VPN apps, CyberGhost offers detailed setup guides for configuring the VPN on a router. Alternatively, you can set up a VPN-protected hotspot using a laptop or desktop.

If you're still uncertain, CyberGhost provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service. The VPN also offers 24/7 live chat support to assist with setup and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth experience.

Buy CyberGhost VPN if you are looking for:

• A budget-friendly VPN with a large server network for streaming Asian content.

• Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms with straightforward setup.

• Strong privacy features, including a no-logs policy and transparency reports.

• A low-cost VPN that effectively works with Netflix and other global streaming services.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

• You need advanced features like MultiHop, port forwarding, or split tunneling.

• You require obfuscation for use in heavily censored regions like China.

GREAT BUDGET VPN FOR ASIA: CyberGhost is user-friendly, fast, and secure, making it a great choice for accessing streaming services and maintaining privacy. Thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s a great option for anyone new to VPNs or those seeking an affordable solution.

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

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PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider based in Sweden, a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives. The VPN belongs to Miss Group, a hosting company that owns all of the server networks used by PrivateVPN. The service was launched by hacktivists that support consumer rights to torrents, which is why it includes port forwarding. Servers are available in over 65 countries, including 11+ Asian countries.

Privacy

PrivateVPN takes user privacy seriously, employing AES-256 encryption with the OpenVPN protocol to secure all internet traffic. It has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that none of your online activities are recorded or stored. Essential privacy features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch (Connection Guard) are also included to safeguard your data in case of an unexpected VPN disconnection.

We tested the VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks and found it to be completely secure. This makes it suitable for gaming privacy and data security anywhere in Asia. You can see the results below.

For users looking to bypass network restrictions or censorship, PrivateVPN offers a Stealth VPN mode. This feature disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it an effective tool for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions. However, it’s worth noting that PrivateVPN has not yet completed a third-party audit and does not operate on diskless servers. Nonetheless, its no-logs policy and commitment to privacy have given it an unblemished track record for safeguarding user data.

Features

Despite its budget pricing, starting at just $2 per month, PrivateVPN is equipped with a robust set of features. Users can choose from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, and Stealth, which makes it useful for connecting in countries like China, Iran, and the UAE.

WireGuard is supported but is not currently available in the custom apps. This means you need to manually configure it using config files that are available on its website. You can import these into the official third-party WireGuard client. 

Additional features include port forwarding, which is ideal for torrenting because it lets you seed more easily. Best of all, when you use the free dedicated IPs, PrivateVPN opens all ports, making it very easy to set and forget in your torrent client.

A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN drops, ensuring that no unprotected data leaks to your ISP or local network. You can also set the Application Guard feature to shut down applications if the VPN connection fails.

PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it suitable for individuals and families who need to protect multiple devices.

Other features such as split tunneling, ad and tracker block, and MultiHop, are not available with this VPN. If you want these features we recommend shopping elsewhere. 

Streaming

PrivateVPN excels at unblocking region-locked streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. This makes it a great choice for people in Asia who want to expand their streaming capabilities and access regional services. 

While the VPN does not have streaming-specific servers listed in the app, it provides dedicated IPs that are used by only one subscriber each session. These are particularly useful for bypassing streaming restrictions. 

In our tests, using the dedicated IPs allowed us to watch streaming platforms from across Asia, including services in Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea. 

It is worth noting that we could not unblock MeWATCH when connected to the Singapore server, so we would advise that you test it with your favorite Asian streaming services before committing long terms (it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test it yourself).

PrivateVPN also works to watch more than a dozen different Netflix regions, which makes it extremely popular with Asian Netflix subscribers. 

Speed and performance

While PrivateVPN is not the fastest VPN on this list, it delivers sufficient speeds for most data-intensive online activities, including streaming and torrenting. In our tests using a dedicated test server with a Gigabit connection, PrivateVPN averaged a top speed of 112 Mbps. 

To gauge real-world performance, which is going to be more important for understanding how the VPN performs for most people, we also tested the VPN using a 115 Mbps home broadband connection. Here are the results:

• Japan: Download speed of 82.39 Mbps, representing a 28.36% decrease.

• US (New York server): Download speed of 87.47 Mbps, representing a 23.94% decrease.

• Hong Kong server: Download speed of 68.89 Mbps, representing a 40.10% decrease.

While these speeds were not as fast as some of our top recommendations, they were still ideal for streaming in HD without buffering. However, if you require the fastest VPN available, you might want to consider other options.

Global server network

PrivateVPN's server network spans 65+ countries, including 11+ countries in Asia. While it has fewer servers compared to some competitors, its servers are self-owned and operated, which helps improve performance and security. This infrastructure is particularly advantageous for accessing region-locked content and ensuring reliable connections.

Ease of use

PrivateVPN's custom apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are straightforward and user-friendly, making them suitable for beginners. The interface is simple to navigate, allowing you to connect to servers, adjust settings, and access content with minimal hassle.

For users who encounter difficulties, PrivateVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, ready to assist with setup or troubleshooting any issues. Additionally, PrivateVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service.

Buy this VPN if you are looking for:

• Strong encryption and a no-logs policy for enhanced privacy.

• The ability to unblock global streaming services with ease.

• An easy-to-use VPN with port forwarding for torrenting.

• 24/7 live chat support for quick troubleshooting.

• A budget-friendly VPN with robust security features.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

• You need the fastest VPN available for streaming or gaming.

• You want a VPN that includes WireGuard in the main clients.

SECURE AND RELIABLE: PrivateVPN offers excellent value for money, solid encryption, and apps for all devices. It protects against online tracking at home, at work, and on public WiFi. Works to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other international services in Asia. Includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: How we test and choose the best VPNs for Asia

At BleepingComputer, we have developed a reliable VPN testing methodology that we use to compare and recommend VPNs. Our testing method prioritizes privacy and security, which means that VPNs only appear on our list of the most reliable VPNs for Asia if they can prevent local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking your online activities. 

Our approach also evaluates several factors known to sway consumers' decisions, including the VPN speed, streaming capabilities, ease of use, and value for money. We also run leak tests to ascertain that the VPN is working as advertised.

This guide focuses on VPNs that can bypass restrictions in Asian countries and that have plenty of Asian servers to access popular streaming services from abroad; perfect for Asian netizens on vacation.

Speed testing

Fast and consistent speeds are essential when using a VPN in Asia, especially when accessing content from popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, iQIYI, and Viu. Whether you're streaming from outside of Asia or living in countries like Japan, India, or Thailand – the VPN must deliver high-speed connections that work to stream in HD, play games, and torrent without frustration.

We conduct extensive speed tests for each VPN using both a dedicated test server with a Gigabit line and a standard home broadband connection. Our tests are performed at various times of the day – morning, noon, and evening. This gives you an idea about the VPN’s reliability. 

We connected to servers in Asia, Europe, and North America to evaluate global performance and see how each VPN performs under different conditions.

For each VPN, we establish a baseline by measuring the download speed of our home broadband three times to get an average. We did this before testing each VPN to ensure that the tests were fair. This helps us accurately assess the speed reduction caused by the VPN. Detailed speed results are provided in each VPN summary, so you can get an idea of how the VPN is likely to perform on your own devices.

Streaming

Accessing popular Asian streaming platforms, such as Hotstar, iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Viu, can be challenging due to regional restrictions. To ensure a VPN can bypass geo-blocks, we rigorously test its streaming capabilities with these Asian platforms – as well as on international services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

We evaluate streaming quality, buffering times, and the overall stability of the connection. VPNs that consistently unblock popular services and offer seamless HD streaming score higher in our rankings. For example, NordVPN and Surfshark excelled in our tests, providing reliable access to various Asian and global streaming platforms without interruptions.

It's important to note that not all VPNs work with every streaming service. With this in mind, we encourage you to check our VPN summaries to find the most suitable option for their specific needs. You can also take advantage of each VPN's money-back guarantee to check if it works with your specific accounts.

Security and privacy

Given the privacy concerns and restrictive internet regulations in some Asian countries, robust security and privacy features are crucial. We evaluate each VPN's ability to protect users from online tracking, hacking, and surveillance, especially in countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam, where internet censorship and monitoring are prevalent.

Key security aspects we assess include:

• Encryption standards: We look for AES-256 encryption or better to ensure strong data protection.

• Leak protection: Each VPN undergoes DNS and IPv6 leak tests to confirm that no data is inadvertently exposed.

• Kill switch: We test the reliability of the VPN's kill switch to ensure that it disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

• Logging policies: We scrutinize the provider's logging practices and prioritize VPNs with independently audited no-logs policies.

In addition, we consider whether the VPN offers advanced privacy features like diskless servers, MultiHop, and Tor over VPN for users with elevated security needs. For instance, Proton VPN and NordVPN stand out because of their advanced features – making them excellent choices for privacy-conscious users in Asia who want access to additional features that help to protect them in countries with stricter censorship and surveillance.

Ease of use

A VPN's usability is a crucial factor, especially for users who may not be familiar with using a VPN. We test how straightforward each service is to download, install, and configure on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and routers.

We evaluate the VPN’s user interface, how easy it is to switch between servers, and how intuitive it is to use features like split tunneling and port forwarding. VPNs with cluttered or overly complex interfaces lose points, while options like Surfshark and Nord receive higher scores due to their suitability for beginners.

We also test the customer support provided by each VPN, reaching out via live chat and email to gauge response times and the quality of assistance. Finally, we assess the cancellation process to verify that users can easily take advantage of money-back guarantees.

Advanced features for bypassing restrictions

In Asia, internet censorship can be a significant hurdle, particularly in countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam. To ensure a VPN can bypass these restrictions safely, we look for advanced features such as:

• Kill switch: Blocks your internet completely if the VPN connection fails to stop you from leaking your activities to local networks or your ISP.

• Obfuscation: This disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping to bypass VPN blocks and firewalls in restrictive regions.

• Port selection: This can be implemented alongside obfuscation to help you bypass firewalls that stop the VPN from connecting.

• MultiHop: Routing traffic through multiple servers adds an extra layer of security, especially useful in regions where internet surveillance is prevalent.

VPNs that successfully incorporate these types of features, like NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark, rank higher on our list for their ability to offer internet freedom in heavily censored regions.

Value for money

Value for money is always a priority for consumers seeking a VPN. Through years of testing VPNs, we have found out the hard way that cost is not always an indicator of quality; with some expensive VPNs turning out to be useless and a small number of cheaper VPNs performing incredibly well.

We assess whether each service offers a fair price for its features and performance, focusing on:

1. Money-back guarantees and free trials: Allow users to test the VPN without risk.

2. Connection limits: The number of devices you can use simultaneously with one account.

3. Discounts and special offers: We check for any promotions or seasonal discounts that enhance the value proposition.

4. Included features: Are features like ad blocking, streaming support, and a large server network available at a competitive price?

VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN offer affordable plans with an extensive set of features, making them attractive options for Asian users on a budget. 

Other VPNs, like Proton VPN, are a touch expensive on the long-term plans but are outstanding for users in need of a VPN for a single month. Thus, if you intend to go on holiday it is well worth considering this service.

How do I use a VPN in Asia?

Follow these simple steps to establish a connection in Asia using a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN with servers in Asia. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription. Note that longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and choose an Asian country from the list of available servers. Note that you may have to connect to obfuscated servers for countries with VPN blocks in place. 
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Use the internet as normal, but with a private and secure connection.

Should I use a free VPN for Asia?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Free VPNs rely on advertising to generate revenue. As such, most have some form of logging policy to collect users' data – which can subsequently be sold to advertisers or data brokers. Many free VPNs have low-security standards and may leak users’ IP addresses or fail to encrypt traffic. This could have serious consequences for anyone living in countries where censorship is rife.

In addition, free VPNs tend to be painfully slow. Their small server networks easily become congested, resulting in sluggish connection speeds that are not good for streaming. The limited number of servers also means that there isn’t much choice in location. 

If you really can’t afford to pay for a free VPN subscription, the best free VPN options are those offered as a form of taster by the likes of Proton VPN and CyberGhost. These don’t log user data and have good standards of security. What they don’t have is access to many servers or fast connection speeds – these are reserved for users with subscriptions. 

Best VPNs in Asia FAQs

Should I use a VPN while traveling in Asia?

Unless you’re visiting a country where VPNs are illegal, it’s wise to use a VPN while traveling. A VPN ensures that you can access the online services of your home country, which might otherwise be blocked. Websites and services that you might normally take for granted, such as WhatsApp or BBC News, are not accessible in countries such as Russia and China.

Indeed, Asia contains some of the world’s most restrictive countries, most of which try to control the internet as a means of controlling their citizens. For example, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Iranian authorities spy on Google traffic and block access to millions of websites. In Vietnam, the Freedom House advocacy organization reports that websites linked to organized religion – including Catholicism and Buddhism – are blocked. 

There are many more examples. Freedom House considers the internet as “not free” in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, and China. 

Even if you’re not traveling to one of the above countries, a VPN will ensure your traffic is protected when making use of free WiFi in airports or other public spaces. Unsecured WiFi connections – of the type that don’t require any login information – are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, where criminals intercept internet traffic between your device and the WiFi hotspot. A VPN will ensure that your traffic is encrypted. 

A VPN can also grant you access to region-locked streaming services from back home.

Is it safe to use a VPN in Asia?

For the most part, yes. However, VPNs are banned in some Asian countries. These include Belarus, Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan. Getting caught using a VPN can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment. 

In other Asian countries, VPNs are legal but subject to restrictions. This includes countries such as China, Egypt, Oman, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Restrictions vary between countries. For example, companies in China must only use government-approved VPNs, while in the UAE it’s illegal to use a VPN to access FaceTime, Skype, and Snapchat.

What sites can I access in Asia using a VPN?

If you have a subscription to a streaming platform, you’ll be able to access the content libraries of countries like South Korea, Israel, and many others – simply by connecting to a server within their respective borders. 

A VPN will also ensure your access to the internet is consistent. This is especially useful if you’re in a country that targets, for example, social media sites. Turkey sporadically blocks access to Twitter, while India has a blanket ban on TikTok. 

In many countries, it’s unclear whether particular sites are illegal to access or have simply been blocked. It’s best to err on the side of caution if you’re in a particular country where the distinction is unclear.

How do I know if my IP address has changed to Asia?

When you open a typical VPN app, you’re presented with a list of countries with servers that you can connect to. Choosing one in an Asian country like Malaysia or Bangladesh will give you an IP address in that country for the duration of the online session. 

It’s easy to check that your IP address has changed by visiting a free site like whatismyipaddress.com. This will show your IPv4 address along with an approximate location on a map. If this is still showing as your home country despite connecting to a server abroad, it means your chosen VPN is leaking your IP address. In this case, we’d recommend immediately switching to a leak-free VPN provider such as NordVPN.