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Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia to bypass internet restrictions and geo-blocks in 2024

VPN for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has heavy internet restrictions, limiting users’ online freedom and privacy. The Saudi government can monitor online traffic of users with a Saudi Arabia IP address. Moreover, many websites are restricted in Saudi Arabia due to Islamic values and societal norms. Users cannot access porn, gambling, dating, and drug-related websites, as well as LGBTQ+-related content. Websites promoting religious conversion are also prohibited to maintain religious harmony. The government also restricts political and news websites that are going against Saudi Arabia. VoIP and other communication services also have restrictions and protect the interests of local telecommunication companies. However, a VPN for Saudi Arabia can help to bypass restrictions.

While using a VPN is not illegal in Saudi Arabia, the government tends to block VPNs frequently. I tested over 25 providers and found that NordVPN, Surfshark, PIA VPN, CyberGhost, and Norton VPN are the best Saudi Arabia VPN providers that are still working. They all have extensive server lists, successfully bypass geo-restrictions on various services, and provide fast speeds. Additionally, they will safeguard your privacy for a reasonable price. Read on and find the best Saudi Arabia VPN.

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Best Saudi Arabia VPNs in 2024

Is it illegal to use VPN in Saudi Arabia?

Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is legal, but the government blocks many VPN providers on a daily basis. While there are no laws against using a VPN for security reasons, using it to bypass geo-restrictions on various websites can be penalized. The country’s government heavily restricts or bans access to multiple services due to cultural, religious, and societal values. Porn websites are banned in Saudi Arabia as such services go against Islamic values, and it’s even illegal in the country. Many VoIP services, including WhatsApp, are heavily restricted, so you cannot use its voice and video calling features. While you can still use the service, these features are disabled to maintain national security. Surprisingly, even Pokemon Go is banned in Saudi Arabia as it goes against Islamic beliefs and encourages profanity, violence, and laziness.

However, a robust VPN can help access geo-restricted content in Saudi Arabia, including VoIP services and other websites. If you want to use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia freely, here is a step-by-step guide:

How to use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia?

  1. Choose and subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. I recommend Surfshark, now 86% off!
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Log in to your Surfshark account.
  4. Connect to a server outside of Saudi Arabia (e.g., Canada).
  5. Log in to WhatsApp and enjoy it without any restrictions!
Unblock WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia with Surfshark VPN >

When using a Saudi Arabia VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country, which will mask and change your IP address. This way, you will appear in a different location, and geo-restricted services will grant you access. If you’re abroad and want to access content available in Saudi Arabia, a VPN is the most reliable way to get a Saudi Arabian IP address. Apart from accessing geo-restricted content, a VPN will encrypt your traffic. This way, you will be secure, and your online activity will stay private.

Top 5 Saudi Arabia VPNs: detailed list

A reliable and robust VPN should have a wide selection of servers, including servers in Saudi Arabia, for global and local content access. Additionally, it should provide fast speeds and strong encryption for stability and security. Lastly, security-focused features like kill switch, double VPN, or split tunneling are a must to increase your privacy and overall VPN experience. After testing over 25 VPN providers, I found Surfshark, NordVPN, PIA VPN, CyberGhost, and Norton VPN to be the best Saudi Arabia VPN providers. They all provide reliable and fast servers, allowing you to access geo-restricted streaming services and other websites. The providers also have robust security features that will keep your activity private, protecting you from surveillance.

1. Surfshark – the best VPN for Saudi Arabia to access content safely

9.5
review-badge__icon Top VPN provider
Company location
Company location:
Netherlands
Protocols
Protocols:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Support
Support:
24/7, FAQ
Download speed
Download speed:
405 Mbps
  • Servers in Riyadh
  • Fast WireGuard protocol
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Some features cost extra

Surfshark is the best VPN for Saudi Arabia, as it offers unlimited connections and a robust security toolkit. With Surfshark’s additional features, you will enhance your VPN experience and add an extra layer of security.

Surfshark VPN has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including an undisclosed number of servers in Riyadh, which guarantees access to global and local services. I tested Surfshark’s servers in various countries, and I had no issues accessing streaming, porn, and gambling websites.

Most importantly, Surfshark will protect you as it uses military-grade AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark’s MultiHop servers route your traffic through a second VPN location, meaning your traffic will be encrypted twice. The OpenVPN protocol automatically enables obfuscation, which will hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Additionally, NoBorders allows the use of VPNs through government censorship.

Due to the fast WireGuard protocol, Surfshark provides excellent speed results. I tested Surfshark’s servers in the US, Canada, Japan, and Riyadh, and my speeds stayed at 400+ Mbps at all times, meaning that you won’t experience any lag or slow speed issues. You can set up Surfshark on all major operating systems, smart TVs, routers, and consoles. Alternatively, you can use Surfshark’s browser extensions on Chrome and Firefox.

The prices for Surfshark start at $2.19/month, and all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also check Surfshark coupon codes to get the best deal. If you want to test it first, Surfshark has a 7-day free trial available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

2. NordVPN – secure and fast Saudi Arabia VPN for safe browsing

9.8
review-badge__icon Top VPN provider
Company location
Company location:
Panama
Protocols
Protocols:
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Support
Support:
24/7, email
Download speed
Download speed:
452 Mbps
  • Wide selection of servers worldwide
  • Robust security toolkit
  • Fast NordLynx protocol
  • No Saudi Arabian servers

NordVPN is one of the fastest Saudi VPN providers to bypass geo-restrictions without lags. However, it does not have servers in Saudi Arabia.

NordVPN offers 7000+ servers in 118 countries, so you will find a server that suits you best. Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t have Saudi Arabian servers, but there are servers in UAE, Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon. NordVPN’s servers can bypass geo-restrictions, and I had no issues accessing various streaming services and news websites.

With NordVPN, you get robust AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, which ensures total privacy. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will disconnect you from the internet. Double VPN will encrypt your traffic twice by routing it through a second VPN location. This feature ensures that no one can track your online activity. NordVPN also has obfuscated servers that will hide that you’re using a VPN, which is a must in restricted countries.

NordVPN is known to be one of the fastest VPNs. I tested its Australia, US, France, and UAE servers, and my speeds stayed at 400+ Mbps, which is more than enough for a flawless browsing experience. You can use the service by installing a browser extension on Chrome and Firefox browsers or setting it up directly on your device. NordVPN is available on various desktop and mobile phone devices, as well as smart TVs, routers, and consoles.

You can get NordVPN for $2.99/month, or check out NordVPN coupon codes for even better deals. All NordVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also try it out with the 7-day free trial.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

3. PIA VPN – robust VPN with Saudi Arabia servers and unlimited device connections

Company location
Company location:
United States
Protocols
Protocols:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Support
Support:
Email
Download speed
Download speed:
95 Mbps
  • Servers in Saudi Arabia
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Successfully bypasses geo-restrictions
  • Based in the US, part of the Five Eyes alliance

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is another trustworthy VPN that works in Saudi Arabia and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. With it, you can secure your digital footprint while accessing geo-restricted content on all personal devices.

The PIA VPN provides 29300+ servers in 90 countries, and there are servers in Saudi Arabia for local content access, but the number of Saudi servers is not disclosed. I could access different content blocked in Saudi Arabia, including streaming, dating, and news sites.

PIA VPN is a no-logs VPN that uses standard AES-256 encryption. It provides a kill switch that prevents data leaks by disabling the internet if your VPN connection drops. The Multi-hop feature adds an extra layer of security as it routes your internet traffic through two server locations. PIA also offers obfuscation, which makes your traffic look like regular traffic, and no one can track the use of a VPN. You can also use split-tunneling to use the VPN for specific websites only.

PIA VPN is slower than Surfshark or NordVPN, but the speed stays at 300-400+ Mbps, so you should not experience significant speed drops. I tested PIA’s US, UK, Sweden, and Canada servers and faced no slowdowns. You can set it up on computers, mobile devices, routers, consoles, and smart TVs. Alternatively, you can download Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions.

PIA VPN's starting price is $2.03/month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want to test it out before committing to a subscription, a 7-day free trial is available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

4. CyberGhost – easy-to-use VPN to bypass restrictions in Saudi Arabia

Company location
Company location:
Romania
Protocols
Protocols:
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Support
Support:
24/7
Download speed
Download speed:
432 Mbps
  • Fast servers speed
  • Servers in Riyadh
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • No obfuscated servers

CyberGhost is a reliable Saudi Arabia VPN for beginners who want to access global and local content. The service is very intuitive and capable of bypassing restrictions.

CyberGhost has 11700+ servers in 100 countries and an unspecified number of servers in Riyadh. The wide selection of servers guarantees stable connections and successful bypassing of geo-restrictions. I tested CyberGhost servers, and I could visit gambling and streaming sites. The server in Riyadh unlocked Saudi Arabia streams without any issues.

CyberGhost is a no-logs VPN that ensures privacy using AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. CyberGhost has a kill switch that disables the internet if your VPN connection gets interrupted. To avoid ISP tracking, you should use CyberGhost’s DNS leak protection, which will check if your data is not leaking. Split-tunneling allows you to choose which traffic to route through a VPN tunnel, which is very handy if you need a VPN for specific websites only. Unfortunately, CyberGhost does not provide obfuscation, which users in restricted countries like Saudi Arabia need.

I connected to servers in the US, Australia, Canada, and Riyadh, and my speeds stayed at 400+ Mbps with all servers. This is an excellent result which guarantees a stable and fast browsing experience. You can use these fast servers on various mobile devices, computers, routers, consoles, and smart TVs. There is also the possibility of installing Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.

You can get CyberGhost for $2.03/month or check CyberGhost coupon codes for better deals. If you purchase a long-term plan (longer than 6 months), you will get a 45-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, there is a 24-hour free trial for Windows, a 3-day free trial for Android, and a 7-day free trial for iOS.

5. Norton VPN – reliable KSA VPN app for fast browsing with no restrictions

Company location
Company location:
United States
Protocols
Protocols:
OpenVPN (Windows, Android), L2TP/IPSec (macOS, iOS)
  • User-friendly interface
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Robust AES-256 encryption
  • No obfuscated servers

Norton VPN is another trustworthy VPN for Saudi Arabia that can bypass geo-restrictions. Even though there are no servers in Saudi Arabia for local access, you can visit restricted websites without issues.

Norton VPN has 5000+ servers in 30 countries that you can use to access geo-restricted services. There are no servers in Saudi Arabia, and the closest servers are in Israel and Lebanon. Unfortunately, I could not access local content, but NortonVPN’s global servers worked fine and bypassed geo-restrictions on various streaming and news websites.

Norton VPN uses robust AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy, so your activity will remain private. Not many additional features are included, but Norton’s kill switch will add an extra layer of security if you encounter any VPN interruptions. You can also use the split-tunneling feature to use a VPN for specific services only. Unfortunately, there are no obfuscated servers, which would greatly benefit users in restricted countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Norton VPN is not the fastest provider, but the speeds stay at 300+ Mbps, enough to stream content without any issues. I connected to several global Norton VPN servers, and I enjoyed a lag-free browsing experience. You can set up Norton VPN on all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS), but it’s unavailable on smart TVs (except Android TVs), consoles, or routers. Additionally, there are no browser extensions.

Norton VPN starts at $3.33/month. Monthly plans have a 14-day money-back guarantee, and annual subscriptions have a 60-day guarantee. You can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial.

Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia comparison

Saudi Arabia VPN provider Our score Unblocks streaming services Servers Security features Lowest price
Surfshark 9.5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes 3200+ servers in 100 countries Kill switch, split-tunneling, MultiHop, NoBorders, Static servers, obfuscation $2.19/month
NordVPN 9.8⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes 7000+ servers in 118 countries Kill Switch, split-tunneling, Double VPN, DNS leak protection, obfuscation $2.99/month
PIA VPN 8.1⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes 29300+ servers in 90 countries Kill Switch, split-tunneling, Multi-hop, DNS leak protection, obfuscation $2.03/month
CyberGhost 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes 11700+ servers in 100 countries Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, split-tunneling $2.03/month
Norton VPN 7.3⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes 5000+ servers in 30 countries Kill Switch, split-tunneling $3.33/month

How to change VPN to Saudi Arabia: step-by-step tutorial

Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is not illegal, even though the government tends to block access to such services. Besides VPNs, many other services and websites, including VoIP, gambling, news, and social media, are blocked or heavily restricted in Saudi Arabia. Even though VPNs are banned in Saudi Arabia, no laws prohibit their use for security reasons. Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia will safeguard your online privacy and ensure security. Additionally, it will mask your IP address and grant you access to restricted services to enjoy your favorite content without any restrictions and surveillance.

Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN with servers in Saudi Arabia

Surfshark is one of the top VPN providers in the industry. It’s also the best Saudi Arabia VPN as it has a wide selection of servers, including Saudi Arabian servers. Additionally, Surfshark provides robust encryption and many additional features, ensuring total privacy.

Surfshark VPN main page macOS
Surfshark VPN app interface on macOS

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device

Using a VPN is fairly easy, especially Surfshark, as the app is user-friendly and intuitive. To start using the VPN, you have to download the application and install it on your preferred device. Once that is done, you must simply log in to your account and enjoy all the advantages of using a VPN in Saudi Arabia.

Step 3: Connect to a Saudi Arabia server

You only need to connect to a VPN server to mask and change your IP address. With Surfshark, the list of servers is on the main page, and you see it whenever you open the app. Simply browse the servers to find the one you need and connect to it to change your IP address.

Surfshark connected to Saudi Arabia macOS

Step 4: Verify your Saudi Arabian IP address

Once connected to the VPN, ensuring your connection is successful and your IP address is hidden is essential. To confirm your connection to the VPN, visit trustworthy IP and DNS leak checker websites such as ipleak.net. If you’re successfully connected to the Saudi Arabia server, your IP address should match the country you’re connected to, and your DNS address should not leak.

Step 5: Enjoy private and secure access to Saudi Arabia's online content

If you’re successfully connected to the VPN and your IP address changes, you will be granted access to various services available in Saudi Arabia only, including Saudi Arabia Netflix and other websites. Most importantly, your online traffic will be encrypted, meaning your activity will always stay private. A VPN guarantees security from surveillance and online trackers, which is essential, especially in countries with internet restrictions.

Netflix Saudi Arabia with Surfshark

Get Surfshark VPN today>

How to verify if your VPN is connected to Saudi Arabia?

It’s vital to ensure your VPN is connected successfully and your location is not visible online. There are several ways to check this and guarantee a private and secure connection. Here are a few steps to verify your VPN in Saudi Arabia:

  1. Check your IP address. Before connecting to the VPN, check your original IP address and compare it to the one you get after you connect to a server. Once you’re connected, your IP address should be different from your original IP address.
  2. Access blocked services. If you’re successfully connected to the VPN server in Saudi Arabia, you should not have issues accessing geo-restricted content available in Saudi Arabia. If the service grants you access without any errors, you’re successfully connected to the VPN, and the service sees you as being in Saudi Arabia.
  3. Conduct an IP and DNS leak test. To ensure a stable VPN connection, checking if your IP or DNS addresses are not leaking is necessary, as it can disclose your actual location. To do that, visit trustworthy online leak checkers such as dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net, which will provide you with all the information about your IP and DNS addresses.
    Surfshark Saudi Arabia leak check

Can I use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia?

Technically, you can use a free VPN for Saudi Arabia, but I do not recommend it. Using a free VPN comes with certain security risks as they usually lack the necessary security measures and are not always transparent about their privacy policy. Additionally, their servers are used by many other users, so you might not be able to bypass geo-restrictions with a free VPN.

Instead of using a free VPN, I recommend a premium VPN with a free trial, like Surfshark or NordVPN. These VPN providers guarantee security and privacy and can bypass geo-restrictions. Surfshark and NordVPN have 7-day free trials on the Google Play or Apple App Store without paying anything. Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use Surfshark or NordVPN for a month and still get your money back.

Why don't all VPNs work in Saudi Arabia?

Due to Saudi Arabia’s internet restrictions and censorship, the government tends to block VPN services. Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is not illegal, and there are no laws against using it for security reasons. However, to ensure that Saudi Arabian citizens are not accessing restricted content online, including porn sites, gambling services, or even VoIP services, the government blocks VPNs. Even though there is no official list of VPN services blocked in Saudi Arabia, most are inaccessible as the government already restricted them. Saudi Arabia’s government wants to limit the use of VPNs, so you might experience issues accessing some VPN services. Even though VPN providers are often blocked, my testing revealed that Surfshark, NordVPN, PIA, CyberGhost, and Norton 100% work in Saudi Arabia.

Try Surfshark VPN now >

Final thoughts on using a VPN in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with heavy internet restrictions. Many services are blocked in Saudi Arabia due to religious and cultural reasons, and the government monitors users’ online activity. To protect yourself online and ensure that no one is tracking your activity, I recommend using a VPN that can bypass restrictions.

While using a VPN for security is not illegal in Saudi Arabia, many are already blocked in the country. However, I found several services that are still available in Saudi Arabia, and Surfshark proved to be the best Saudi VPN provider. Surfshark offers a wide selection of servers, including servers in Saudi Arabia, which guarantee global and local access. Additionally, it has many additional features that will add an extra layer of security and provide fast speed for the best VPN experience in Saudi Arabia.


You may also like to read:
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FAQ

Can you use VPN for WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you can use a VPN for WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia. Connecting to a VPN server in a different country will change your IP address, and you can bypass WhatsApp’s restrictions. However, it is important to note that you need a valid phone number for WhatsApp.

Which VPN offers Saudi Arabia server?

Surfshark and NordVPN offer servers in Riyadh. Although both providers do not provide the number of servers they have in Saudi Arabia, the ones they do have work excellently. Surfshark and Nord VPN's Saudia Arabia servers bypass geo-restrictions and guarantee privacy.

Is NordVPN blocked in Saudi Arabia?

No, NordVPN is not blocked in Saudi Arabia. The service is not banned and works exceptionally well compared to other providers. NordVPN guarantees strong encryption and geo-restrictions bypassing. Additionally, NordVPN even has servers in Saudi Arabia for local content access.

Why is the VPN not working in Saudi Arabia?

The VPN might not work if the Saudi government had already blocked it. Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is not illegal, but the government tends to block VPN services due to censorship so that users do not have to bypass these restrictions.

How can I get Saudi IP address for free?

To get a Saudi IP address for free, get a VPN with a free trial and servers in Saudi Arabia, like Surfshark. Surfshark has Saudi servers and offers a 7-day free trial on the Google Play and Apple App Store.

What is the punishment for using VPN in Saudi Arabia?

Using a VPN for security reasons is not illegal in Saudi Arabia, so you should not face any penalties. However, due to censorship, bypassing geo-restrictions to access prohibited content is not allowed with a VPN, and you might face fines or other consequences.

5 comments
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  1. Nintendoguy
    Nintendoguy May 25, 2019 at 6AM

    I’m a proud cheapskate, I admit. I was using CyberGhost. Not the best, but hey, I didn’t need a very good one as it met my needs. So may be I’m just a little smart.. So look into your needs before purchasing vpn



  2. Sue_Vaneer78
    Sue_Vaneer78 February 15, 2019 at 3PM

    NordVPN will be better than TorGuard. It is a personal virtual private network service provider. It has strong security features, great privacy practices, good speeds, 6 simultaneous connections.



  3. Alex Farell
    Alex Farell February 13, 2019 at 4PM

    I will be travelling to Saudi Arabia next month on a business trip, and I will need to freely access the Internet. But I also don’t want to get into any troubles, so I need the best VPN. This guide was really helpful, thank you.



  4. mjjjjjj86
    mjjjjjj86 February 6, 2019 at 5AM

    All the VPNs listed above are paid ones. Do you have any free VPN that can be used in Saudi Arabia?


      1. Mikaela Bray
        Mikaela Bray March 4, 2019 at 2PM

        Apologies for the late answer.



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