1. Top picks at a glance
2. Best Saudi Arabia VPN overall
3. Best cheap Saudi Arabia VPN
4. Best Saudi Arabia VPN for Linux
5. Best free Saudi Arabia VPN
6. Best Saudi Arabia VPN with antivirus
8. How to choose Saudi Arabia VPN
9. Saudi Arabia VPN FAQs
The biggest country in the Middle East can be a dangerous place to be online. As the 2023 Freedom House report notes, both censorship and high-tech surveillance systems are prevalent across Saudi Arabia. A man was recently sentenced to death for tweets criticizing the government, in fact. Social media platforms are restricted, too, and so is the video chat feature of popular VoIP services like WhatsApp. Luckily, the best VPN services can help here.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a security software that spoofs users IP addresses to make you appear on the other side of the world within a click. It also encrypts all the data leaving your device to protect your anonymity. All this makes using a Saudi Arabia VPN vital for accessing websites and TV content as when you're home, keeping in contact with friends and family, or preventing the government from snooping on your online activities.
It's worth keeping in mind that Saudi authorities are actively blocking specific VPN providers, gaining the #4 place for the most VPN censorship in 2023 so far. Luckily, our experts have 15 years of experience in thoroughly testing dozens and dozens of VPN services to find the best value, the most secure, and the fastest ones. So, keep reading as I list my top five favorite VPNs for Saudi Arabia right now.
Today's top 3 best Saudi Arabia VPNs:
Recent updates
We periodically review the content of our buying guide to ensure all information is up-to-date and reflects the changing VPN industry and global need for digital privacy. During the latest round of updates, we included adjustments to the overall on-page structure and layout, but the on-page ranking remained the same.
The best Saudi Arabia VPN for 2024:
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See how our top picks VPN for Saudi Arabia compare in the following analysis and reviews. Keep reading as I discuss reasons to subscribe, reasons to avoid, our test results, what I liked (and dislike) most about each provider.
The best Saudi Arabia VPN overall
✔️ You are a VPN newbie: ExpressVPN boasts easy-to-use apps with an intuitive and modern design that's easy to navigate as well as speedy 24/7 live chat support.
✔️ You value your online privacy: ExpressVPN offers advanced encryption protocols and top-level security features.
✔️ You need a VPN you can trust: ExpressVPN sets the bar for security, with regular audits and a no-logs policy that ensures your information is always in safe hands.
❌ You're on a tight budget: ExpressVPN is a pricey option, and though it's stuffed with features, you might want to check out Surfshark or PIA for a more affordable alternative.
❌ You want to securely browse locally: despite having a network dotted across 105 countries, ExpressVPN still lacks servers based in Saudi Arabia at the time of writing.
🔒 ExpressVPN is my top pick for Saudi Arabia right now due to its great care of privacy and security, and user-friendly applications. See why it claimed the #1 spot with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Test after test, ExpressVPN keeps topping our charts of the best VPNs on the market and that's also the case for Saudi Arabia.
We especially love its commitment to privacy and security: from a strict no-logs policy, many independent audits (11 in 2022 alone) and ultra secure AES-256 encryption, to numerous protocols to choose from (including its very own Lightway which aced its second security audit in 2023), a reliable kill switch plus IPv6 leak protection. Its Threat Manager DNS blocker is finally landed on Windows, too, alongside a new ad and adult-site with its last feature-packed update .
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN not only does the job of keeping your web activity hidden, but it also unblocks geo-restricted content at ease, allowing you to stream the likes of BBC iPlayer, US Netflix and more while traveling. It actually unlocked all the streaming platforms we tried last time we checked (despite some few nibbles with Netflix libraries at times). It also boasts powerful users-friendly apps for all the major platforms and an excellent 24/7 live chat support.
Despite not having servers physically located within the country's borders, Express boasts over 3,000 of those across 105 countries including some of Saudi Arabia's neighbors like Israel and Egypt. It also offers obfuscated servers so that Saudi ISPs will struggle to detect that you're using a VPN service.
Despite not achieving the best speed results also this time, we experienced improved top speeds during our last round of testing (from 560 to 750Mbps with Lightway). You can even try the service yourself risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. There's also a tasty offer for TechRadar readers only...
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Apps are fresh and fun, no matter which device you're using | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Features are easy to find and use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A speedy provider, but slower than NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Packed with security features and robust encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat support never disappoints | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A pricey pick, but feature-rich | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap Saudi Arabia VPN
✔️ You are on a tight budget: Surfshark is a low-cost provider able to deliver a premium experience for a fraction of the price.
✔️ You have a lot of devices: with a generous unlimited device allowance, you can secure all your favorite gadgets, as well as those of your friends and family with just one subscription.
✔️ You need an inexpensive security suite: just like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with a stacked roster of privacy-enhancing tools.
❌ You need an infallible kill switch: I was able to break the Surfshark kill switch on Windows during my testing. This probably won't happen in real life, but is still a concern.
❌ You need advanced customization options: for specific features that are not available in Surfshark, we advise looking into NordVPN.
🔒 Surfshark's blazing speeds, great unlocking power and unlimited device allowance prove that a premium VPN doesn't need to come with a premium price tag. See why it's my favorite budget option with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best cheap VPN around, but what we love the most about Surfshark is actually its impressive feature list, easy-to-use apps, and performance. It's also one of the top VPN providers, together with ExpressVPN and NordVPN, to have been recognized as a secure and ethical product in 2023.
Surfshark's security features include a DNS leak protection, kill switch, AES-256 encryption with double-hop and some extras like an IP rotator and so-called Dynamic MultiHop powered by its new Nexus technology. Its security suite Surfshark One coming with a newly added Alternative ID tool is then ideal to secure your digital life on all fronts.
▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Great news if you're after a Saudi Arabia VPN to safely browse locally as, among Surfshark's 3,200+ international servers, some are actually physically based inside the country. We recommend switching on its obfuscation option, too—here called Camouflage mode. Plus, its No Borders feature will automatically connect you to the servers performing the best under network restrictions. For an extra fee, users can also get its new Dedicated IP for better results.
From Netflix and Hulu to iPlayer and Peacock, the provider brilliantly managed to unlock all the streaming platforms we tried during our last round of testing. Even better, it did so at great speeds too, securing the #1 spot on our fastest VPN list when connected to the WireGuard protocol with a staggering 950+Mbps.
Surfshark's biggest weakness is around its kill switch issues on Windows. Despite these being observed only in extreme situations, any possible leak can be reason for concern when you are in Saudi Arabia. Nothing to worry about if you use it on mobile or as a reliable Mac VPN, though.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fresh, modern design that's easy on the eyes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Straightforward and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A super-fast service ideal for streaming in HD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks in-demand services from around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Come with ad and malware blocking, but kill switch has issues | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Customer support is friendly and fast, though support articles could be improved | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly and excellent value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best Saudi Arabia VPN for Linux
✔️ You appreciate affordability: Alongside Surfshark, PIA is small in price but big in security and performance.
✔️ You are a Linux user: PIA boasts one the best VPN app for Linux we have seen so far, including an intuitive GUI.
✔️ You value customization options: PIA is great for more experienced users in need of shaping the software according their needs.
❌ You are a beginner: For those who prefer a visually appealing VPN experience, Surfshark can be a better option.
❌ You need immediate customer support: PIA's customer service instructs you to fill out a lengthy form in order to contact them, and they respond via e-mail.
🔒 Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is a cost-effective software offering plenty of customization options, ideal for advanced users in and out Saudi Arabia.
A technically great service, Private Internet Access (PIA) is another affordable VPN with a premium feel. Its many customizable features are what we like the most, though, making it perfect for both experts and newbies. These include an excellent kill switch, browser extensions with extra privacy perks, open-source apps and a live chat support service. It even recently passed from 10 to unlimited connections at once with just one subscription.
Its price might have got lower, but PIA's network coverage did just the opposite. The provider offers over 10,000 servers dotted across 84 countries worldwide. Some of those are actually located in Saudi Arabia as well as many neighboring countries. Also here, you can claim your own dedicated IP for an additional fee when you subscribe by choosing among five countries to gain extra VPN usability.
▶ Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.
PIA's recently added SmartDNS feature will help you to smoothly bypass online censorship and other geo-restrictions, too. We saw an improvement in its streaming VPN capabilities during our last testing, in fact, managing to access everything we tried last time.
PIA isn't certainly among the fastest services, though, dropping its top speeds from 510 to 360Mbps when using WireGuard. Despite these results being disappointing, they are more than enough to comfortably watch high-definition video, stream in 4k and carry on everyday online activities.
On a positive note, PIA offers one of the best Linux VPN apps we have seen around. The provider even confirmed its commitment to digital freedoms by launching the Privacy Pass initiative in December 2023 to give free VPN subscriptions to the press and NGOs. I was also excited to hear that PIA engineers found a solution for making split tunneling available for MacOS. The feature is expected to be released sometime in January as part of its 2024 product roadmap.
I'm also happy to see the provider's commitment in transparency with an independently audited no-logging policy under its belts, and one on its security infrastructure coming soon.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lots of customization, but could do with some attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the best for beginners, but great for advanced users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Good speeds, but generally average compared to industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers and an enormous global network help you unblock anything and everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The latest and greatest in VPN tech, and a proven no-logging policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | A mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly and offering plenty of value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best free Saudi Arabia VPN
✔️ You are after a secure free VPN: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited-bandwidth, 100 servers across three countries and great security.
✔️ You need advanced security: its Secure Core servers route internet traffic via multiple privacy-enhancing servers in different countries for extra protection.
✔️ You value Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): even if your VPN connection is compromised, previously encrypted traffic remains secure.
❌ You want the quickest VPN around: Proton VPN can handle HD streaming, but its connection speeds can't certainly keep up with other providers in this list.
❌ You rely on customer support: you'll only be able to reach the Proton VPN support team during business hours (9am to 5pm), which might be an issue for new users.
🔒 ProtonVPN's free plan option is a good option for those looking for basic VPN functionality without spending money.
The Swiss-based Proton VPN shows some serious commitment to users' privacy. For starters, all its apps are independently audited and open-sourced. Its unlimited-bandwidth free VPN counts now over 100 free servers, too.
Security-wise, it offers terrific kill switches, powerful encryption, strong protocols, DNS leak protection and built-in Tor support for accessing Onion sites. We couldn't even find any trackers on its website nor Android VPN apps last time we checked. It even just built its very own "world-first" censorship resistant CAPTCHA system to grant access to its services without compromising users' privacy.
▶ Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.
A less impressive server network here—3,000 across 71 countries at the time of writing—Proton doesn't offer servers physically based in Saudi Arabia. However, neighboring countries like Israel, Egypt and UAE are all covered. For extra security, paid subscribers can also opt for one of the Secure Core servers available to reroute the traffic via servers based in Sweden or Iceland. Due to a partnership with Deutsche Welle, the provider is now offering special servers to access censored news content, too.
Performance-wise, Proton has a good track record on bypassing geo-restrictions applied on online platforms and sites as well as on all the major streaming platforms around. It is worth noting that its top speeds dropped a little last time we checked (from 510 to 460Mpbs with WireGuard). However, these results should still be able to deliver decent and reliable connections overall.
Unlike previous providers, Proton doesn't have a 24/7 live chat just yet—this might be an issue to those new to the world of VPNs. Yet, you can always start with trying it out with its powerful free plan but keep in mind that its advanced features like P2P and streaming unlocking are available for paid subscribers only. All Unlimited, Family and Business subscribers at higher risk of cyberattacks can even enroll to its new Proton Sentinel program for extra security.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A sleek and stylish dark mode is the star | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great mobile apps, but the desktop version can be complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A decent performer that doesn't top our rankings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Paid plans can unblock a ton of services and sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Lots of security add-ons, an audited policy, and open source apps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support can be patchy and hard to get hold of | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Premium plans aren't exactly cheap, but the free plan is fantastic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best Saudi Arabia VPN with antivirus
✔️ You want a solid all-rounder: with a long list of features and tough encryption, NordVPN is the total package—and won't break the bank.
✔️ You value connection speed: alongside Surfshark and a few others, NordVPN currently tops my list of the fastest VPNs, making it ideal for gaming and torrenting.
✔️ You appreciate dedicated IP option: either you're a business or individual, you can enjoy the perks of a fixed IP with the security of a VPN for an extra tiny fee
❌ You're a mobile-first user: The NordVPN apps work just fine and have a sleek design, but I found the map-based interface to be tricky to use on smaller screens.
❌ You use port forwarding: it allows for optimized connections, faster downloads and improved overall torrenting performance, which Express VPN offers.
🔒 NordVPN is the perfect blend of functionality, performance, price, and security. Put its 30-day money-back guarantee to good use and see why it's such a close runner-up.
Last but not certainly least, NordVPN offers a privacy-focused experience across all the major platforms while delivering some impressive performances, too.
Its more remarkable features include double kill switches, DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, a Double VPN option and built-in antivirus. Plus, its new addition Meshnet (now free to use for all users) is ideal for those seeking to secure their workload across multiple devices.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Despite not having a network in Saudi Arabia, NordVPN boasts 6,000 speedy servers dotted across 60 countries worldwide. Some of those are actually physically located in some neighboring countries like the UAE and Israel. It also includes obfuscated servers that are specifically configured to bypass network firewalls in countries with the toughest restrictions.
NordVPN has also a great track record when it comes to bypass geo-restrictions online. It performs well as both a Netflix VPN and BBC iPlayer VPN, as well as any other streaming platforms.
We even experienced improved connections during our last round of testing, with top speeds passing from 820 to 950+Mbps with WireGuard (like the fastest service Surfshark) last time we checked.
While we're not fans of the map-based interface on mobile and its browser extensions are still a bit basic, you can use its speedy 24/7 live chat support to address any issues in no time. Plus, you can always try it out yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Apps look great, but can feel busy on some devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Most features are easy to find and use, though the map interface can be off-putting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The quickest VPN I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks a wealth of content via Netflix and more | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Tough encryption, double kill switch, and transparent audits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live chat support is quick to respond and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Low-cost plans pack a lot of value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What makes a good VPN for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's firewall is constantly filtering online content, blocking everything branded as illegal, harmful or immoral against Islamic laws. And, while social media sites aren't totally blocked, the platforms are heavily restricted. The ability to get around blocks and other geo-restrictions is, then, the first feature you should look out for in your VPN.
With more and more citizens turning to virtual private networks for accessing the open internet, authorities are increasingly blocking VPN providers. However, using a VPN is still legal in Saudi Arabia (more on this in the FAQs below). Reliable VPN obfuscation technology is then your best bet to elude blocks as it makes VPN traffic look like a normal connection.
Surfshark, NordVPN, Windscribe, Hide.me and IPVanish logged the fastest time of all the VPNs we tested with a top speed of 950+Mbps.
Saudi dissidents increasingly face harsh fines, prison and, in the worst cases, death sentences for what they post online. This makes top-notch security features and a watertight no-logs policy vital features. This ensures your anonymity is protected in the best way possible.
Fast speeds and good network coverage (especially in and around Saudi Arabia) are also important factors. Once online, you'll want to actually be able to enjoy a reliable connection to easily stream your favorite shows or have Skype chats without talking to a mess of jumpy pixels.
The 24/7 live chat support is also handy as it'll mean you can rest easy knowing even if you run into problems, there is a professional that's probably dealt with them before ready to help.
VPN for Saudi Arabia FAQs
Are VPNs illegal in Saudi Arabia?
No, using a VPN is completely legal in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, authorities might restrict the use of such software.
That's because the government has the power to censor online content deemed offensive or illegal. This means that it might block the access to people using a VPN if such a circumventing tool can be revealed.
It is also worth noting that, even though using a VPN isn't illegal, accessing prohibited content or engaging in illegal activities online is against the law. While there's no precedent of anyone being charged for using a VPN, make sure to know the Saudi Arabia regulations to avoid harsh fines or, in the worst cases, prison sentences.
How can I get a Saudi Arabian IP address?
To get a Saudi Arabian IP address, the only thing you need to do is connect to a VPN server based inside the country's borders. Among our top five best Saudi Arabia VPN recommendations, only Surfshark and Private Internet Access have a network physically located in the country.
It is worth reminding that a Saudi Arabian IP can be used only to safely browse the web locally. In case you're looking to access censored sites and/or unblock foreign catalogs on streaming platforms, you need to connect to a server outside the country. Our top pick for that is ExpressVPN.
Why should you download a Saudi Arabia VPN?
As outlined, there are a number of reasons having a VPN for Saudi Arabia is a good idea. With the ability to bypass internet censorship and access content, you can also use the usual messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and so on to work around the government strict control of the VoIP market.
Of course, another popular perk of a VPN is that you can stream live sporting events, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more when outside the country. Great for travelers and expats especially, this allows you to access broadcasts from your home country by virtually relocating thanks to a streaming VPN.
- Read more to learn how to breach the 'Great Firewall' with the best VPN for China
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
