5 Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2024

In Saudi Arabia, there is heavy government surveillance and all international Internet traffic goes through a proxy farm. Many websites considered critical of the government are blocked. With the high censorship, freedom of speech is minimal, and bloggers have even been imprisoned for speaking out against those in power.

Moreover, popular VoIP apps, including WhatsApp and Skype, have limited access. On top of that, cybercrime is commonplace and Internet users frequently deal with lagging issues. Luckily, with the best VPN for Saudi Arabia, you can hide your identity, avoid surveillance, and access blocked content. Cybercrime and lagging are also easily handled.

In this post, we'll share the top 5 Saudi Arabia VPNs and explain how to use one to maintain online privacy and access restricted content. Then we’ll discuss why you need a VPN, which websites are blocked in the country, how to fix your VPN if it’s not working, and much more.

The Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Saudi Arabia
2. NordVPN – Best Saudi Arabia VPN with High-End Security Features
3. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Multi-Purpose VPN
4. CyberGhost  – Top VPN with a Huge Network of Servers
5. Private Internet Access – Advanced and Highly Customizable VPN

How to Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia

To use a VPN in Saudi Arabia, you must first subscribe to a VPN that works in Saudi Arabia. Follow these steps to make setup easy:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works in Saudi Arabia (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download the chosen VPN’s app to your device.
3. Open the VPN and log in using your account credentials. 
4. Connect to a VPN server in a country from which you want to access content. 
5. Now you can use the Internet privately and safely from within Saudi Arabia.

We recommend subscribing and downloading the VPN app on your device before you travel to Saudi Arabia. Many VPN providers’ websites are blocked or inaccessible inside the country. By downloading and installing it ahead of time, you won’t have to worry about restrictions once you arrive. 

The Best Saudi Arabia VPNs in 2024

To choose the best Saudi Arabia VPN, follow the criteria we established in our detailed guide on the VPNs with the most servers. First, ensure that the VPN offers a huge global server network with servers in Saudi Arabia and surrounding Middle Eastern countries. 

The KSA VPN should have the ability to unblock websites inside and outside the country, so you can stream Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay, as well as play games like FIFA and Call of Duty. Also, you must prioritize features like obfuscation, a kill switch, and overall reliable performance and fast speeds.

Any VPN you consider should offer several simultaneous connections for many different devices including smartphones, smart TVs, and computers. There should also be a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.  Lastly, the VPN should provide 24/7 customer support and a solid money-back guarantee. 

Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the 5 best VPNs for Saudi Arabia:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Saudi Arabia

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Saudi Arabia, as it features 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including servers in nearby Middle Eastern countries like Israel and Egypt. It has the ability to unblock Middle Eastern and international websites like Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay. You can also use it to play games like FIFA and Call of Duty.

This VPN uses ultra-secure AES-256 encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy. It also offers obfuscated servers, which make it difficult for Saudi ISPs to find out if you're using a VPN. Besides that, it has several security features in its arsenal, which include a reliable kill switch and robust VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. 

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on our list and provides stable performance for streaming, torrenting, and gaming without any lagging or buffering. Combined with its ability to bypass the strict surveillance and censorship employed by authorities, this makes it the best VPN for Saudis to use.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections and supports multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS computers; iOS and Android smartphones and tablets; gaming systems; Smart TVs; routers; and more. Lastly, this VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat and email support. 

2. NordVPN – Best Saudi Arabia VPN with High-End Security Features

NordVPN has more than 5,700 speedy servers in 60 countries. Unfortunately, there are no servers in Saudi Arabia, but it does offer nearby Middle Eastern servers in UAE and Israel. This gives it the ability to unblock content inside and outside the country, so you can easily stream Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay or play games like FIFA and Call of Duty.

This VPN follows a no-logs policy and uses military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. Some of its important security features also include a kill switch and strong protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx. NordVPN offers 6 simultaneous connections and supports a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

With obfuscated servers to bypass geo-restrictions, NordVPN is beneficial for Saudis. It will help social media users who want to hide their identity and protect themselves from stringent government censorship and surveillance. 

While its overall speed is slightly lower than ExpressVPN, NordVPN’s performance is stable and makes it a good choice for a KSA VPN. Furthermore, it also offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

3. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Multi-Purpose VPN

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands and offers 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including one VPN server in Saudi Arabia. The provider helps bypass censorship and access both local and worldwide websites. With these features, you can stream Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay—and play games like FIFA and Call of Duty.

The VPN offers advanced AES 256-bit encryption and high-end security features, which include a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy. Besides these, Surfshark employs obfuscated servers and strong VPN controls like WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN. 

Overall, Surfshark offers super-fast speeds and consistent performance. It also uses a unique Nexus technology that rotates IPs to make it easier for you to maintain your online privacy. 

Another good feature of this VPN is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections and supports multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Lastly, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

4. CyberGhost – Top VPN with a Huge Network of Servers

CyberGhost has a network of 9,100+ servers in 90 countries, which includes 14 secure servers in Saudi Arabia. It is an excellent option for unblocking local and international content such as Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay. It will also help you play games like FIFA and Call of Duty. 

This provider allows you to have up to 7 simultaneous device connections, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. When it comes to security, CyberGhost’s notable features include a strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. 

This VPN with Saudi Arabia server support doesn’t have obfuscation, but it offers NoSpy servers for increased privacy that are owned and accessible by CyberGhost only. The provider delivers medium-fast speeds and stable performance, but it is slightly behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN when it comes to speed. 

CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and has extensive FAQs to help users with their queries. In short, the VPN is a good choice for people in Saudi Arabia or those traveling outside the country. 

5. Private Internet Access – Advanced and Highly Customizable VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers thousands of servers in 84 countries, including 1 VPN server in KSA. Thus, you can access both local and international sites and apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Shahid, and StarzPlay. You can play games like FIFA and Call of Duty with it, too. 

PIA offers an independently audited no-logs policy, so users in Saudi Arabia know they can browse the Web privately. It encrypts your traffic using 256-bit AES encryption to keep your personal data safe and secure. There are also other top-notch features like a kill switch and VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, and WireGuard. 

With its obfuscation technology, you can use PIA, and your ISP won’t know you’re using a VPN. Overall, while PIA is the slowest of all the VPNs we’ve reviewed in this post, it offers more customization than other providers and delivers good overall performance.

PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. You can contact their round-the-clock customer care through live chat and email, and if you decide it’s not the right fit, you can also benefit from the 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Why Do You Need a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

You need a VPN in Saudi Arabia to navigate the Internet safely and access blocked content, among many other reasons. The following is an overview of all the reasons why you should use a Saudi Arabian VPN:

• Hide Your Browsing Activity – When you use the Internet in KSA, all your activities can be tracked by ISPs and the government, as well as hackers. The best VPN in Saudi Arabia will mask your identity so that you can freely conduct your business. 
• Mask Your IP Address – Saudi residents might face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, if they post something wrong online. A KSA VPN will hide your IP and identity from ISPs and the authorities. 
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – If your ISP detects you are using a lot of data, they can slow your connection. A VPN ensures that your Internet speeds will not decrease while gaming, streaming, or torrenting. 
• Eliminate Price Discrimination – Several online platforms charge different prices based on your geographical location. You can prevent this by using a VPN to purchase tickets, book hotels, and buy other products from wherever they are the cheapest.
• Avoid Local Censorship – According to the Saudi Arabia Freedom on the Net 2022 report, the country is “not free.” Its content filters continuously block content it deems critical of the government, including streaming services, VoIP platforms like WhatsApp and Skype, gambling services, torrenting sites, and more. While social media apps aren't completely restricted, their access is limited. A VPN will help you open blocked sites in KSA.
• Access Global Content – By changing your virtual location, a VPN will allow you to access content that is geo-restricted in Saudi Arabia like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, CraveTV, Peacock TV, and more. 
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, so cyber criminals often use them to hack your sensitive information. Using encryption and other security measures, a VPN can help you browse safely on public networks. 
• Get Better Gaming Experience – If you're a hardcore gamer, you can use a VPN to reduce lag and ping while playing popular games that may not be available in Saudi Arabia, like FIFA, Call of Duty, GTA, and Last of Us Part II.
• Shop Safely Online – A good VPN will improve your shopping experience by protecting your banking information and transactions and keeping you safe from scammers. 
• Browse from Home While Traveling – Another reason a VPN is necessary for Saudis is that it helps them stay connected to local content while traveling. 
• Secure Torrent Downloads – Torrenting is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and if you’re caught, you’ll have to pay a heavy fine. A VPN can help mask your identity and protect your torrent downloading. 

List of Websites Blocked in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has blocked several types of websites and apps under its censorship laws. According to the government, the restricted content is deemed harmful, offensive, anti-Islamic, or illegal. Luckily, a VPN will help you unblock sites in KSA. Here is a list of websites blocked in Saudi Arabia:

• Social Media and VoIP Apps – VoIP services like WhatsApp, Facetime, Viber, and Skype have been banned in the past, as have other chat services like Facebook Messenger.
• Anti-Islamic Content – Websites that post offensive content or false information about Islam are blocked. 
• Gambling Sites – Saudis cannot access online gambling and betting websites.
• Fraudulent Websites – Sites that sell fake and unlicensed products or infringe copyrights with actions such as copying a registered trademark or logo are not allowed.
• VPN Websites – Saudi Arabia blocks many VPN provider official websites and other apps that use a proxy server to allow users to access geo-restricted content.
• Promotion of Drugs and Alcohol – Websites that sell illegal things like alcohol and drugs are banned.
• Pornographic Content – Around 60,000 porn and X-rated websites are banned in Saudi Arabia. Besides that, websites promoting LGBTQ+ content and dating apps are also blocked.
• Security and National Threats – Websites that speak out against the Saudi government and its policies are banned. 

What’s the Penalty for Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

Though Saudi Arabia blocklists and bans many websites, it doesn't restrict the use of VPNs. Using a VPN is legal in Saudi Arabia, and there is no case of anyone facing a penalty just for using a VPN. However, if you use a VPN to break the local laws, you can land yourself in trouble.  

Saudi Arabia has a record of cracking down on those who express their views online, especially when they go against the policies of the government. For example, in 2022, Amnesty International recorded the prosecution of 15 individuals by the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) for speaking against the government on Twitter and WhatsApp. 

Many individuals faced punishments for using social media to share hostile information against the kingdom. Thus, if you decide to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia, you must be aware of Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cybercrime Law and its associated penalties. 

VPN Not Working in Saudi Arabia - How to Fix It?

If your VPN is not working in Saudi Arabia, there could be several reasons. For instance, you might have an issue with your Internet connection, or the VPN server might be down. Here are some troubleshooting tips to consider if your VPN isn’t working:

• Restart Your Device and VPN – The easiest thing to do when your VPN isn’t working is to restart your device, which will also reboot your VPN as long as it’s installed directly. 
• Check Your Internet Connection – Sometimes VPNs don't work when the Internet connection is poor. In this case, it is important to reboot your modem/router and then try to connect to the VPN server. 
• Update Your VPN Application – If you haven’t updated your VPN lately, you can try updating the software. You can also delete and reinstall your VPN if there are no available updates.  
• Switch to Another VPN Server – VPN servers can go down from time to time due to maintenance or traffic overload. Try switching to another server and see if the issue is resolved. 
• Choose a Different VPN Protocol – If you’re having speed or connectivity issues with your Saudi Arabia VPN, choose a different protocol in the app. 
• Temporarily Disable Your Device’s Firewall – Firewalls can also cause VPNs to malfunction. To determine if this is the issue, temporarily disable your device’s firewall and see if it works.  
• Uninstall Other VPN Applications – If you have other VPN packages or apps, uninstall them, as they can interfere with your current VPN connection.
• Contact Your VPN’s Customer Support – If nothing works, contact your VPN provider’s support team and see if they can help.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, technically, you can use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia, but we don't think you should for several reasons. This is because free VPN services do not provide advanced security and high-end features like high-end VPNs. 

Free VPNs offer weak encryption, which can make your identity vulnerable to the government, ISPs, and hackers. These VPNs also lack advanced features like split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and robust protocols. 

Furthermore, free VPNs offer limited server options, making it difficult to stream content from specific regions. They definitely won’t have servers in Saudi Arabia. Plus, there are likely many users accessing free VPN networks, which results in frequent buffering and slow speeds. 

Worse yet, most free VPNs sell their users' data to third parties, which nullifies the purpose of using a VPN. Thus, we recommend using a premium VPN instead of a free one. Check out our guide to the best VPN services that will ensure maximum protection. 

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia imposes strict regulations on Internet usage and regularly monitors the online activities of its residents, tourists, and expatriates. Many popular websites and apps are blocked in the country, too, such as social media and VoIP services. This is why using a good VPN is highly recommended. 

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Saudi Arabia because it has plenty of servers in the Middle East. It also offers excellent features for unblocking apps and websites, streaming, torrenting, and maintaining your privacy. Rest assured that with ExpressVPN, you can freely use the Saudi Internet without worrying about trouble with the authorities.

That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for Saudi Arabia. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!