Whether you’re a resident or just visiting the country, the best VPN for Saudi Arabia will effectively encrypt your data and assign you a new IP address, allowing you to bypass local censorship and access your favorite sites or stream online securely.
Internet freedom is highly monitored in Saudi Arabia. The government blocks all sites related to gambling, pornography, or an illegal distribution of copyrighted content. Additionally, they frequently monitor internet use, collecting users’ personal data and activity logs, making a VPN even more necessary.
However, Saudi Arabia is known to block some VPNs in the country. Therefore, our security experts have tested over 20 VPN services to handpick the best Saudi Arabia VPNs that still work.
The Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia Tested By Our Experts
- Surfshark – Best Saudi VPN overall
- NordVPN – Best Saudi VPN service for security
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN in Saudi Arabia for beginners
- PureVPN – Best VPN Saudi for streaming
- CyberGhost – Best KSA VPN service for anonymity
- Private Internet Access – Best VPN Saudi for traveling
- Show Full Guide
How to Get a Saudi Arabian IP Address With a VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN with Saudi Arabia servers. I suggest Surfshark, which offers a virtual server in Riyadh.
- Download the VPN app and install it on your preferred device.
- Launch the app and log in. Once logged in, make sure to turn on the kill switch for extra security.
- Search for the Saudi Arabia server and connect. In the search bar, type in Saudi Arabia and click on the server below to connect.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy online restrictions. In 2024, Freedom House gave the country a 25/100 internet freedom score.
Therefore, there are two main reasons to use a VPN in the KSA:
- Internet Censorship – Apart from heavy restrictions on content related to gambling, pornography, and pirated content, the government also censors press, movies, TV channels, and anything that goes against local beliefs or religion. This means you won’t be able to access any global news without a reliable VPN.
- Privacy – Most notably, the Saudi Arabian government constantly monitors its citizens’ internet use, meaning it can access their personal information and online activity logs at any time. So, to protect your online information from your ISP or the government, a VPN is a must.
Using a VPN can help you access global news and favorite shows that aren’t available in Saudi Arabia. Plus, it encrypts your online traffic, effectively masking your real IP and personal information and protecting it from your ISP or government.
Is VPN Illegal in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is known for its online censorship laws, which block various websites and social media apps for its residents. This likely explains the significant demand for VPN services in the country, with the providers enabling users to access streaming platforms like Netflix.
Although VPN isn’t illegal in Saudi Arabia, the government blocks access to some VPN providers’ websites. These restrictions make finding a VPN that provides reliable and continuous protection for Saudi residents challenging, so we’ve identified the products that are best suited for the job.
Best Saudi Arabia VPN That Work Reviewed
I’ve looked for fast and secure VPNs that work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A reliable Saudi VPN will enable you to access global content from anywhere as well as secure your internet activities from any third parties.
Therefore, I’ve tested dozens of popular VPN providers to shortlist the top 6 Best VPNs in Saudi Arabia. Here’s what I found:
1. Surfshark – Best Saudi VPN Overall
Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser Extensions |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | Yes – and Egypt, UAE |
Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is the best Saudi Arabia VPN overall due to its versatility, top-notch performance, and advanced privacy and security features. It’s top-notch security and affordability make it a great choice for KSA residents and visitors alike.
Security and Features
Solid encryption is the first step in unlocking the web while in the KSA. Surfshark uses the AES-256-GCM cipher, which is the current industry standard.
Then, you get a strict no-logs policy, independently verified by Deloitte. To further support the no-log claim, Surfshark’s use RAM-only servers, which are wiped clean after each reset.
Besides privacy and security, Surfshark includes several quality-of-life features. The VPN has a split tunneling function that lets you decide which apps pass through the encrypted tunnel and which connect to the internet directly. It also supports unlimited device connections, making it a top choice for families or friend groups.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in over 100 locations. These include servers in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, plus nearby countries like Egypt and the UAE.
When talking about geo-restricted content, Surfshark’s Camouflage and MultiHop features are very handy in unlocking services that are unavailable in Saudi Arabia.
During my tests, I was able to access WhatsApp and Viber’s VoIP functions and conduct calls hassle-free. Additionally, bypassing restrictions on blocked streaming platforms and watching shows like Yellowstone on Paramount Network was equally easy.
Pricing
Sufsharks offers three different tiers, the cheapest price being just $2.19/month. All its plans allow unlimited simultaneous connections and are subject to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you want to test the service before committing, there’s a 7-day trial for its Android, iOS, and macOS apps.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is ideal for Saudi residents and visitors who want a top-notch VPN service that is fast, secure, and affordable. If you want to access Saudi content from abroad or enjoy your usual media while visiting, Surfshark is for you.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- High-speed servers in and near Saudi Arabia
- Excellent security features
- Affordable pricing
- No-log policy and RAM-only servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes Alliance)
2. NordVPN – Best Saudi VPN Service for Security
Max Devices and Compatibility | 10 – Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Routers, Browsers |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | No – but UAE, Turkey |
Server Network | 7,000+ servers in 118+ countries |
Starting Price | $3.39/month |
Why We Picked It
As the most comprehensive security solution on this list, NordVPN is more than ready to tackle the KSA’s heavy online restrictions. It’s also among the fastest VPNs on the market, making it a solid choice for everyday use.
Security and Features
To help you navigate through Saudi Arabia’s restrictive cyberspace, NordVPN combines AES-256 encryption with advanced security features like a double VPN. The latter lets you route your traffic through two separate servers, making your online activities virtually untraceable.
If you want to take things a step further, there’s also the Onion over VPN feature. This routes your traffic through the Tor network, which is perfect for bypassing KSA censorship and accessing blocked content. Just remember to use it only when you need the highest level of anonymity, as the multiple rerouting steps will noticeably slow down your connection speed.
Finally, you get numerous extra features like split tunneling, a reliable kill switch, and Threat Protection, which keeps malware and trackers at bay.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
With NordVPN, you gain access to over 7,000+ servers in 118 countries. While its network doesn’t cover Saudi Arabia, you can pick from neighboring locations like Egypt, the UAE, and Turkey.
As the most secure VPN on this list, NordVPN efficiently bypasses Saudi Arabia’s online restrictions. Through features like obfuscation and double VPN, I was able to access foreign news outlets like Al-Jazeera and international streaming platforms like Netflix US and HBO Max.
Making video calls through Viber was also easy, although the quality was sometimes poor due to the multiple layers of encryption.
Pricing
NordVPN’s plans start at $3.39/month and give you up to 10 simultaneous device connections.
All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and there’s a 7-day trial for Android devices if you want to test the service risk-free.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN is the go-to option for Saudi users looking to maintain a high degree of security during sensitive online tasks or wish to access foreign content while in Saudi.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Superb security features
- Double VPN and obfuscated servers
- Offers access to the Tor network
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- Strict no-logs policy
Cons
- No servers in Saudi Arabia
- No free version
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN in Saudi Arabia for Beginners
Max Devices and Compatibility | 8 – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers, Browsers |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | No – but Egypt, Turkey, India |
Server Network | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries |
Starting Price | $4.99/month |
Why We Picked It
If you’re new to virtual private networks, ExpressVPN is a great Saudi VPN for beginners. It has the most intuitive interface of all the Saudi VPNs I tested and doesn’t skimp on security either.
Security and Features
ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology demonstrates its strong commitment to privacy. This ensures the service doesn’t keep data on your online activities, which is highly useful in places like Saudi Arabia, where authorities can request usage information from VPN providers.
To help with geo-restrictions and ensure fast speeds, ExpressVPN has developed Lightway – an in-house protocol based on WireGuard. The solution maintains a high level of security while aiming to minimize the toll on performance.
ExpressVPN also offers a MediaStreamer feature designed to unblock popular streaming platforms while boosting video quality. This comes in handy, as accessing apps like Netflix US from the KSA requires connecting to servers halfway across the globe.
Last but not least, I was impressed with ExpressVPN’s beginner-friendly apps. The interface is highly intuitive, and switching locations takes only a few seconds.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
ExpressVPN gives you a global network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia isn’t one of them, but you still have access to nearby places like Egypt, Israel, and Turkey.
All ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated by default, which hides your VPN usage from potential snoopers, governments, and ISPs. The result is consistent access to services the KSA blocks, be they streaming platforms or news outlets.
Calls via WhatsApp and Viber are also possible, although you’d need to connect to servers in more distant countries like Greece or India.
Pricing
A bit pricier than the competition, ExpressVPN costs $4.99/month for a two-year subscription and allows you to secure up to eight devices simultaneously.
Regardless of which subscription you choose, you can test the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You also get a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS, making ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs to try on mobile.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is a great Saudi VPN for new users who need solid device protection with minimal effort when residing or visiting Saudi Arabia.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Strong privacy and security features
- Built-in obfuscation
- Strict no-logs policy
- Great download speeds
Cons
- No servers in Saudi Arabia
- Steep pricing
4. PureVPN – Best VPN Saudi for Streaming
Max Devices and Compatibility | 10 – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Browsers |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | No – but UAE, Turkey, Egypt, India |
Server Network | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
Starting Price | $2.14/month |
Why We Picked It
PureVPN‘s global server fleet and adequate security features make it a great VPN for streaming in Saudi Arabia. The service easily handles geo-restrictions to unlock both local Saudi platforms from abroad and international content.
Features
With solid performance and over 6,000 servers worldwide, PureVPN has everything you need to stream global content from Saudi Arabia. Thanks to this wide coverage, you’ll always find fast and crowd-free servers regardless of the platform you wish to access.
Apart from the standard AES-256 encryption, the provider also offers obfuscation, which masks your VPN traffic as regular browsing. This easily deals with geo-restrictions and ensures nosy ISPs like STC would never suspect you using a VPN.
However, PureVPN’s Always-On Audit approach impressed me the most. This opens the company’s security features and no-logs policy to third-party audits at any time without prior notice.
Finally, PureVPN offers various paid add-ons that let you further customize the service. The main ones include a password manager, encrypted storage space, and dedicated IP.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
PureVPN offers six servers in Saudi Arabia, all based in Jeddah. You also get a total of 6,000+ options across 65 countries, which is more than enough for accessing international sites and services, too.
PureVPN has strong enough encryption to circumvent most geo-restrictions and government censorship. I was able to easily access blocked media sites like Al-Bawaba and streaming services such as Hulu and Disney+.
However, during my tests, my real IP address would occasionally leak due to inconsistencies in PureVPN’s kill switch. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend using it for heavily restricted services like gambling platforms, torrent trackers, or adult sites.
Pricing
The cheapest PureVPN subscription is a two-year one, which costs $2.14/month. Monthly and yearly options are also available, and each plan comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee, a 7-day trial for $0.99, and up to 10 device connections.
Who It’s Best For
PureVPN is a top choice for streaming enthusiasts and travelers who want to keep up with their favorite shows and local news while visiting Saudi Arabia.
For more information, read our PureVPN review.
Pros
- High-speed servers close to and in Saudi Arabia
- Unblocks most popular streaming platforms
- Intuitive interface
- Affordable
Cons
- Android and iOS apps lack some security features
- Split tunneling is only available on Windows and Android
5. CyberGhost – Best KSA VPN Service for Anonymity
Max Devices and Compatibility | 7 – Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browsers, Smart TVs |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | Yes – and Egypt, Turkey, India |
Server Network | 11,700+ in 100+ countries |
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost is a jack-of-all-trades, but it earned its spot on its list through its solid privacy features and extensive server fleet. Whether you want to keep up with news from home while visiting Saudi or stream your favorite shows, you’ll enjoy a smooth experience while keeping your anonymity intact.
Security and Features
In terms of privacy, the VPN’s no-logs policy has been verified by the independent auditing firm Deloitte. Together with its headquarters in privacy-friendly Romania, this ensures that even if the Saudi government requests your usage data, CyberGhost will have nothing to give.
To further boost your anonymity, you get military-grade encryption and top-notch VPN tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.
CyberGhost is also one of the more versatile options on this list, due to its servers, optimized for specific purposes like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
With over 11,700 servers across 100+ countries, CyberGhost commands one of the largest server fleets on the market. Unsurprisingly, the KSA is included, as are neighboring countries like Qatar and the UAE. My only nitpick is that CyberGhost’s KSA servers are all virtual, so you might come across some performance issues.
Regardless, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers easily deal with deep packet inspection (DPI) and VPN blocks to circumvent censorship and government restrictions. As a result, gambling sites like Mega Dice and Lucki Block were readily available during my tests.
Additionally, CyberGhost offers streaming-optimized servers specifically designed to unblock platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Apple TV.
Pricing
CyberGhost’s plans start from $2.19/month for a two-year subscription. You can protect up to seven devices in one go, and you get a 45-day money-back guarantee.
If you want to test the waters before subscribing, there’s a 24-hour free trial on Windows and macOS, a 3-day trial on Android, and a 7-day test period on iOS.
Who It’s Best For
CyberGhost is ideal for journalists and Saudi visitors who require online anonymity at an affordable price.
For more information, read our CyberGhost VPN review.
Pros
- Large server network
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Affordable
- Verified no-logs policy
Cons
- 7 simultaneous connections limit
- No obfuscation
- No free plan
6. PIA – Best VPN Saudi for Traveling
Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited – Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Browsers, Routers |
---|---|
Servers in Saudi | Yes – and Egypt, UAE, India |
Server Network | 35,000+ in 91+ countries |
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Why We Picked It
PIA is a highly customizable service suitable for travelers to and from Saudi Arabia. Its server network covers most of the Middle East, so you have plenty of options to unlock regional and foreign content.
Security and Features
The first thing PIA impressed me with was that it combined VPN and proxy features. If you just want to browse the web privately and forgo encryption, you can use PIA’s SOCKS5 proxy. This will reduce the toll on your connection speed while also keeping you anonymous.
Then, if you’ve decided to circumvent the KSA’s online restrictions, you can go for Shadowsocks proxy. This option provides obfuscation to further improve your security for more sensitive tasks.
Advanced settings aside, PIA also excels at the basics. You get split tunneling, a kill switch, and PIA MACE – a competent adblocker that removes annoying pop-ups and minimizes the risk of phishing and malware infection.
My only complaint is the inconsistent performance. While nearby servers maintain solid speeds, more distant ones can get unstable, especially during peak hours.
Server Network and Geo-Block Bypassing
PIA boasts the largest network on my list, with 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, including Saudi Arabia. The provider has also shown love to places like the UAE and Egypt, so you can get both local and international IP addresses.
With strong encryption and P2P support, PIA had no issues unblocking Skype’s VoIP functions during my tests.
Moreover, Private Internet Access offers obfuscation through Shadowsocks proxy. While I lost some of my connection speed due to the added security layer, I could freely visit international media outlets, streaming platforms, and gambling sites.
Pricing
PIA’s cheapest plan costs $2.19/month for a two-year subscription. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee and unlimited device connections.
Although there is no free trial option, you can still test the service risk-free thanks to its no-nonsense refund policy.
Who It’s Best For
PIA is a great choice for travelers and Saudi expats who require a customizable and reliable VPN for everyday use.
For more information, read our Private Internet Access review.
Pros
- Affordable
- Unlimited device connections
- Large server network
- Great ad, malware, and tracker blocking
Cons
- Inconsistent server performance
- Steep learning curve for advanced settings
- Based in the US (5 Eyes Alliance)
Best Saudi Arabia VPN Services Compared
Here’s a master table to help you find the best VPN in Saudi Arabia, free of tracking, so you can compare the products head-to-head, compare them to the best VPNs on the market, and make an informed purchase decision.
Provider | Cheapest Monthly Price | Server Count and Locations | Servers in Saudi Arabia | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark | $2.19/month | 3,200+ in 100+ countries | Yes – and Egypt, UAE | Unlimited | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, browser extensions |
NordVPN | $3.39/month | 7,000+ in 118+ countries | No – but UAE, Turkey | 10 | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TV, browser extensions |
ExpressVPN | $4.99/month | 3,000+ in 105+ countries | No – but Egypt, Turkey, India | 8 | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TV, browser extensions |
PureVPN | $2.14/month | 6,000+ in 65 countries | Yes – and UAE, Turkey, and Egypt | 10 | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, browser extensions |
CyberGhost | $2.19/month | 11,700+ in 115+ countries | Yes – and Egypt, Turkey, India | 7 | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TV, browser extensions |
PIA | $2.19/month | 35,000+ in 91+ countries | Yes – and Egypt, UAE, India | Unlimited | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TV, browser extensions |
How to Choose the Best Saudi VPNs
To determine whether a VPN service will suit your needs and requirements, you need to consider several factors, including its server network and the quality of its features.
Here are a few things to take note of:
- Saudi Servers – The best VPN for Saudi Arabia will have servers in the country that guarantee high-speed, stable connections. Although VPN providers rarely offer physical servers in KSA, finding providers with virtual Saudi servers and servers in nearby countries is also good.
- Encryption – VPNs protect your data by encrypting it and protecting it from attacks and unauthorized access. Ensure your VPN offers a robust encryption algorithm to safeguard your data, such as XChaCha20 or AES-256.
- Speed – Using a VPN will inevitably slow down your internet, but the slowdown shouldn’t be unbearable, and the VPN connection should be stable. Given this, it’s important to pick a provider that offers decent speeds in your region.
- Global Server Network – The best VPNs offer servers in dozens of countries around the world. Consider providers with VPN servers for countries where you want local content, such as streaming libraries and restricted websites.
- Streaming Support – If you intend to watch foreign content in Saudi Arabia or access Saudi content while outside the country, you’ll need a VPN that offers streaming support. The VPN you pick should be able to unblock popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu and have servers in Saudi Arabia to allow you access to local content.
For further international recommendations, read our guide to the best VPNs for travel.
VPN Speed Testing Results
When you’re using a VPN, your internet traffic is rerouted via a VPN server, which slightly extends data traveling time. However, no one wants to sacrifice their internet speed to improve online security.
Therefore, to determine which Saudi Arabia VPN is the fastest, our expert in Saudi tested each provider’s speed on a 1Gbps original broadband speed by connecting to the closest VPN server outside the country.
Here’s what we found:
WireGuard or Proprietary protocol | |
---|---|
Surfshark | >950Mbps |
NordVPN | 935Mbps |
ExpressVPN | 750Mbps |
PureVPN | 850Mbps |
CyberGhost | 850Mbps |
Private Internet Access | 500Mbps |
Overall, Surfshark was the fastest Saudi Arabia VPN with the best speed when connected to a server in Dubai (UAE).
How to Use VPN in Saudi Arabia
Installing and using a VPN in Saudi Arabia takes just a few minutes after you commit to a plan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing Surfshark to help you start using a VPN in Saudi Arabia.
Subscribe to a Reliable VPN Service
Due to affordable prices, high security measures, and great free perks, I suggest Surfshark. Surfshark will prompt you to create an account during checkout, which you’ll need to log in.
Download Surfshark and Log In
Once done, download Surfshark’s apps onto your devices. The installation takes less than two minutes, and you can immediately log into the apps using your Surfshark account credentials.
Encrypt Your Internet Traffic
Now that you’re logged in, you can start using the VPN to secure your internet traffic and online privacy. To establish a VPN connection, you can allow Surfshark automatically connect to the fastest, closest server with a single tap, or you can manually pick one.
Can You Get A Good VPN in Saudi Arabia for Free?
Free VPNs generally have severe usage restrictions and can leave you exposed to data leaks. Their security capabilities are often minimal, while some services are actually fraudulent.
Because of these risks, relying on a free VPN service is unwise, no matter where you are – and you can’t really get a good free internet VPN for Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, most free VPNs don’t cover Africa and the Middle East, so you’re unlikely to find one with servers in or near Saudi Arabia. Using a free VPN in Saudi Arabia would likely come with limited bandwidth, reducing its utility, and you would lack streaming or torrenting support.
If you absolutely must use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia, Proton VPN is the best choice, as it offers unlimited bandwidth and robust privacy and security features. Alternatively, you can use paid solutions with lengthy refund periods, such as Surfshark or NordVPN, which offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Saudi Arabia VPN?
If you want to access global content while in Saudi Arabia or attain a Saudi IP address from abroad, you’ll need a reliable VPN like Surfshark.
A VPN masks your real IP address, enabling you to access geo-restricted content, such as news, local TV channels, and even your bank page, from anywhere.