Best VPN for Saudi Arabia: Top Picks in 2023

ExpressVPN

Go to ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our number one trusted VPN for Saudi Arabia. This VPN provider allows you to stream content while increasing your privacy and security and defeating censorship.

Servers

ExpressVPN doesn’t have a server in Saudi. Nonetheless, you can use it to unblock content in Saudi via its servers across 94 countries in 160 locations.

This VPN bypasses restrictions and accesses blocked sites and your favorite content while in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it can avoid VPN blocks.

ExpressVPN is also suitable for streaming content from Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube while bypassing ISP throttling.

You can find more information about Netflix and VPNs in the linked guide.

Its blazing speeds and unlimited will ensure you watch your content in the highest quality without buffering or lagging.

Privacy and Logging

Your privacy should be your alone. ExpressVPN doesn’t collect any activity or connection logs. Its no-log policy has also been audited independently.

ExpressVPN enjoys a privacy-centric jurisdiction; the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The BVI doesn’t enforce data retention laws or share its netizens’ data.

Apart from a good jurisdiction, ExpressVPN reinforces its no-log policy with its TrustedServer technology (RAM-based VPN servers).

These servers do not store any user activities. Moreover, when they reboot, every data is wiped clean.

Security and Protocols

ExpressVPN protects your online activities from Saudi Arabia watchdogs using best-in-class AES 256-bit encryption.

This encryption ensures that no one will intercept or be able to interpret your online traffic. Thus, you won’t have to worry about prying eyes.

This VPN provider offers a network lock (VPN kill switch), private DNS, leak protection, and a threat manager for blocking ads.

Its custom-engineered Lightway protocol ensures faster speeds, reliable connections, and excellent security.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

ExpressVPN offers 5 simultaneous connections. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Fire devices, and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge). This makes it a good Android VPN option.

You can also use it on various routers, network-assisted storage, smart TVs, and consoles.

This VPN offers easy-to-use native VPN apps which are well-designed and have the same interface across all platforms.

Pricing Plans

ExpressVPN offers three subscription plans. This VPN provider is more expensive than other players in the industry.

Here are the subscription plans:

• The monthly plan goes for $12.95 per month.
• The 6-month plan costs $9.99 per month. This totals to $59.95 every 6 months.
• The 1-year plan goes for $8.32 per month. This sums to $99.95 per year. You get a 35% discount on this plan.

Its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a subscription.

Customer Support

If you get stuck or run into an issue while using the VPN service in Saudi Arabia, you can access 24/7 customer support.

You can use the live chat for a quick solution or the email ticket system for advanced issues. Customer service is also offered via the apps’ support center or help section.

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN

Go to Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another best all-around VPN for Saudi Arabia. This VPN service has over a decade of experience and focuses on online freedom, security, and privacy.

Servers

Private Internet Access allows you to unblock content using its next-gen servers in 84 countries. The servers offer unlimited bandwidth coupled with fast speeds.

If you don’t reside in Saudi, you can access Saudi content via the Riyadh geo-located server (virtual server).

PIA VPN also offers streaming servers that you can use to watch content without buffering. They work well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.

PIA VPN offers port forwarding and a proxy server that you can set on your torrenting client. Moreover, you can use PIA to torrent safely and privately in Saudi Arabia. It’s one of our favorite VPNs for torrenting.

Privacy and Logging

PIA VPN is headquartered in an unfavorable jurisdiction – the US. This jurisdiction is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and home to the CIA and NSA.

This, however, doesn’t stop it from implementing any usage logs policy. PIA VPN has proven this no usage logs policy in court.

This VPN service offers native open-source apps. The open-source nature makes it easy to verify the code.

Security and Protocols

PIA VPN offers robust protection that takes care of your online connections and activities while you are in Saudi Arabia.

The WireGuard protocol uses AES-256. Its VPN apps allow you to switch between AES-128 or AES-256 encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. You can also use IKEv2/IPSec on iOS.

PIA VPN set of security and privacy-enhancing features include; a kill switch, aggressive IPv6 blocking, leak protection, multi-hop and obfuscation, and you can block ads/trackers.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

Private Internet Access offers straightforward VPN apps with minimal clutter. The VPN can be used by novice users on default or expert users who want to tweak various settings.

The VPN service is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera), consoles, smart TVs, and routers.

PIA VPN supports a simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices. You can protect all your devices in Saudi Arabia with a single subscription.

Pricing Plans

Private Internet Access offers budget-friendly long-term plans. You can subscribe to the VPN service using three subscription plans.

They are as follows:

• The monthly plan goes for $11.95 per month.
• The 1-year plan costs $3.33 per month. This amounts to $39.95 per year.
• The 3-year plan retails at $2.03 per month. This sums to $79.00 per 3 years. This plan gives you 3 free months coupled with an 83% discount.

Each plan has a free email breach monitor, and you can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Additionally, the long-term plans offer a free Boxcryptor license for 1-year.

Boxcryptor allows you to secure your online cloud files with solid encryption.

Customer Support

You can access technical support around the clock. Private Internet Access offers customer service through a live chat, the website support portal, and an email ticket system.

Its apps also offer an in-app contact support feature. The live chat is excellent, and you get quick, professional responses.

CyberGhost VPN

Go to Cyberghost

CyberGhost VPN provides a service that protects your online identity from the Saudi government and other prying eyes.

Servers

CyberGhost has a vast collection of 7800 plus servers that span 91 countries. CyberGhost offers 14 virtual servers in Riyadh city of Saudi Arabia out of this collection.

It also has servers in Venezuela, something few VPNs do, which makes it an ideal Venezuela VPN option.

These virtual servers allow quick access to Saudi Arabian content, but they are unsuitable for other tasks such as torrenting.

Nonetheless, you can use the other servers for data-intensive tasks. They are optimized for torrenting, unrivaled anonymity, and streaming content without lags.

You can use the VPN apps or the website server list to know which server you can use for a particular task.
All servers are optimized to offer the highest possible speeds with unlimited bandwidth.

Privacy and Logging

CyberGhost implements a zero-logging policy that ensures your online identity is not under any threat.

This VPN provider won’t collect, monitor, or track your Saudi online activities. This ensures it won’t have anything to share with the Saudi authorities.

CyberGhost also uses No Spy servers, allowing you to achieve total privacy with ultimate security. CyberGhost manages these servers, and they offer excellent performance.

Additionally, CyberGhost isn’t concerned with data retention policies. Its Romanian jurisdiction deemed them unconstitutional.

Romania is also not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

Security and Protocols

Besides total privacy, CyberGhost ensures you get maximum online security in the Saudi online environment. This is made possible via AES-256-bit military-grade encryption.

This strong encryption keeps your connection and online activities safe from prying eyes. CyberGhost uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols.

Security and privacy-enhancing features from CyberGhost include a kill switch, leak protection, content blocker, HTTPS redirect, and finer Wi-Fi security controls.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

CyberGhost offers simple VPN apps with a user-friendly interface and tons of customizations.

You can easily access any settings you want, and the one-tap connection makes things easier. CyberGhost offers a simultaneous connection of up to 7 devices.

This VPN service is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Routers, and consoles, and it has extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Cyberghost is especially great to use as a Mac VPN due to its app.

Pricing Plans

CyberGhost offers fairly priced subscription plans. Here are the highlights of the plans:

• The monthly plan retails at$12.99 per month.
• The 1-year plan costs $4.29 per month. This sums to $51.48 every year.
• The 2-year plan goes for $3.25 per month. This amounts to $78.00 every 2 years.
• The 3-year plan costs $2.29 per month. This totals $89.31 every three years. This plan also gives three free months with an 82% off discount.

It’s our only VPN service with two money-back guarantee duration. The monthly plan carries a 14-day guarantee, while the other plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee.

The long-term plans also offer a free Boxcryptor license and access to the No Spy servers, ID Guard, and Privacy guard. The monthly plan only comes with a free ID Guard.

CyberGhost is the only VPN for Saudi Arabia with a premium 24hr free trial. No credit card is required.

Customer Support

Customer service is 24/7, and you can get assistance via a live chat, the comprehensive support center, or email the support team.

The FAQs also have more details and information about the VPN service. You can also get help right from the apps.

Surfshark VPN

Go to Surfshark

Surfshark is a reliable Saudi Arabia VPN with a private, secure, and fast VPN experience. This VPN also sports advanced security and pricy features that pack a punch.

Servers

Surfshark has a server in Saudi Arabia and a network of 3200 servers in 65 countries. These servers allow you to get access to the free and open internet.

You can access a wide range of content without looking over your shoulder regarding the Saudi government.

With speeds of up to 10Gbps, the high speeds servers can handle any speed and bandwidth-intensive tasks. They also have unmatched unblocking abilities.

Like the other best VPNs in Saudi, you can use Surfshark for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and VoIP services.

Privacy and Logging

Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The BVI jurisdiction doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws and is not influenced by the EU or the US regarding privacy.

This favorable jurisdiction allows Surfshark to implement a strict no-log policy. Your online activities and connections will never be compromised.

Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark uses RAM-based servers. RAM-based servers use volatile memory. Once a scheduled reboot occurs, all the data is wiped clean.

Surfshark also allows you to easily bypass Saudi Arabia government monitoring and bypass VPN blocks. This is possible since Surfshark uses obfuscation.

Security and Protocols

Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption to protect your online data and connections. This encryption ensures that the Saudi government doesn’t know what you are doing online.

This VPN service offers secure, fast, and high-performance protocols. They include OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard.

Surfshark apps sport a kill switch, protection against ads and trackers, leak protection, and advanced features such as multi-hop, No Borders Mode, and Camouflage mode.

Multi-hop is a double VPN implementation; you get extra encryption and total privacy. No Borders and Camouflage modes allow you to bypass restrictions with obfuscation.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

Surfshark offers fully-fledged VPN apps with an intuitive interface. The VPN service is easy to use, and the apps are straightforward.

Surfshark is compatible with Windows, Macs, Linux, Android, Smart TVs, Fire TV, routers, consoles, and browsers (Chrome, Edge, and Firefox).

Sursfshark is among the few VPNs you can use to protect your entire family circle. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pricing Plans

Surfshark offers pocket-friendly plans subscription plans except for the monthly plan. The subscription plans include the following:

• The monthly plan goes for $12.95 per month.
• The 1-year plan costs $3.99 per month. This sums to $47.88 for the first 12 months.
• The 2-year plan retails at $2.49 per month. This amounts to $59.76 for the first 24 months. This is the best plan, and you get with 81% off coupon.

The plans carry a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You also get a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS on the 12-months subscription plan.

Customer Support

Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support through a support center, a live chat, and an email ticket system.

The live chat offers quick responses, while the email ticket might take hours. The support center provides a comprehensive knowledge base.

How did we determine the best VPN for Saudi Arabia?

Very few VPN providers offer discreet protection and privacy services in Saudi Arabia. Also, only a handful of them has servers in Saudi.

Therefore, the VPN providers can be used to unblock content outside Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, our VPN picks suit Saudis and those traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Here are the aspects we considered when selecting the best VPN for Saudi Arabia:

• Wide server coverage/servers in Saudi Arabia
• Excellent security and privacy
• Security and privacy-enhancing features
• Reliable unblocking abilities
• Consistent fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth
• Compatibility with most devices
• Money-back guarantee
• Great customer service

VPN: The best way to get a Saudi Arabian IP address

To access Saudi Arabian content, you will need a Saudi IP address. A VPN is the recommendable way to get a Saudi Arabia IP address.

Besides the IP address, a VPN will hide your digital identity, encrypt your connection, allow you to unblock restricted content, and bypass censorship.

Simple steps to get a Saudi Arabian IP address using a VPN:

1. Subscribe and install one of our VPN picks for Saudi Arabia
2. Connect to a Saudi Arabian server location
3. The VPN server will allocate you a Saudi IP address after the connection

Free VPNs for Saudi Arabia?

Unfortunately, it is not advisable to use free VPNs for various reasons. First of all, most free VPNs are not that free. They use your data to cover their operational costs.

Usually, this is done by selling your data to other third parties. This practice can compromise your digital identity due to poor safety practices.

The free VPNs don’t have comprehensive server coverage, and most don’t have servers in Saudi Arabia. This will make it hard for you to unblock restrictions.

Also, their servers are always congested. As a result, free VPNs offer limited bandwidth with capped speeds.

Finally, free VPNs have no privacy and security-enhancing features. Your connections and online activities will be vulnerable to government watchdogs.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

Hide your digital identity

The Saudi Arabian government uses surveillance and pervasively monitors social media, emails, blogs, chatrooms, websites, and text messages.

It justifies these online atrocities to maintain social order and national security.

On one occasion, the Saudi government handed an aid worker a 20-year travel ban with a 20-year prison sentence for expressing the freedom of speech through a satirical Twitter account.

Therefore, it is advisable to use a VPN to keep your online identity and protect your online activities.

Access Restricted content

The Saudi government blocks a wide range of content. This ranges from content deemed illegal, offensive, anti-Islamic, harmful, or criticizing the royal family.

Moreover, news websites and other outlets that disseminate extremist content and services such as gambling, pornography, and copyrighted materials are also blocked.

Online streaming services with satirical shows and materials mock the Saudi government and face the same music.

Unblock social media

Social media and other communication platforms are always available. However, the government may block or restricts the use of individuals voicing dissent.

Most affected platforms include Twitter and Telegram accounts. The Saudi Arabia government controls these two platforms and other VoIP services.

Bypass censorship

Besides continued restrictions, the Saudi government uses digital authoritarianism to control the digital sphere and what is available to netizens.

Most media coverage is manipulated and shaped by the government. Content posted online by other individuals is swiftly removed, and their accounts are suspended.

This happened to Al-Huwaitat tribe members and other Twitter accounts who voiced their concerns about forced relocation regarding a government project.

Continue reading to learn more about the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia.

Wrap Up

A VPN is the best tool to reclaim your Saudi online freedom. Our best VPNs for Saudi Arabia offer excellent protection, unblock restrictions quickly, and have the best speeds.

They also don’t keep logs; you can use them to circumvent censorship and hide your identity on almost all computing devices.

You can test their services without committing by using the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.