Best VPNs for the Middle East in 2024

Unfortunately, internet censorship is rife in many Middle Eastern and Arab countries, and the government isn’t the only entity that can monitor your online activities. There’s a chance that your employer, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or hackers also keep tabs on you. Luckily, there’s an easy way to ensure your privacy and safety while online, and that’s to use a VPN.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your traffic and route it through a server in a different location, ensuring any outside observer can’t read it. Aside from privacy, this process has another major benefit: it assigns you a temporary IP address, which allows you to appear as though you’re in another country. This can allow you to access geographically restricted sites and services – such as your online banking or home streaming libraries – while traveling in the Middle East.

Some countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, block traffic from all but a few government-approved VPNs. This means that the majority of VPNs won’t work in these locations. However, some still do, and below, we’ve listed the best VPNs that work anywhere in the Middle East. We’ll go more in-depth with each of our top picks later, but if you just want to see our recommendations, here’s a quick summary:

The best VPNs for the Middle East:

1. NordVPN: Top recommended VPN for the Middle East. This superfast and highly secure service works easily in countries with strict online censorship. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Middle East.
2. Surfshark: Low-cost, security-conscious service with high speeds and servers in multiple Arab countries. Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
3. IPVanish: Very fast servers available in Turkey, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Apps come with obfuscation that can help disguise VPN traffic. Allows unlimited device connections.
4. ExpressVPN: A reliable VPN with servers in Egypt, Israel, and over 90 other countries. Strong unblocking ability and incredible speeds.
5. PrivateVPN: A fast, reliable way to safely browse the internet in the Middle East. A strict no-logs policy and a choice of VPN protocols.
6. Private Internet Access: Servers in 80+ countries. Good, unthrottled speeds. Secure unlimited devices at once. No-logs policy included.
7. PureVPN: This quick, no-logs VPN obfuscates your data automatically, making it ideal for shielding your activities while visiting Middle Eastern countries.
8. ProtonVPN: Offers a vast array of security features, an expansive server network, and exceptional unblocking ability.

How to browse safely with a VPN in the Middle East

The good news is that with a VPN, it’s fairly simple to protect yourself when using the internet in the Middle East. Just follow these simple steps to get connected.

Here’s how to use a VPN in the Middle East:

1. First, you’ll need to sign up for a reliable VPN service. We recommend NordVPN, but Surfshark and IPVanish are good alternatives.
2. Download and install the appropriate version for your device.
3. Connect to a server in the country of the site or service you’d like to unblock, this will give you the country-specific IP address you need to access the site. For example, connect to a server in the UAE if you want a UAE IP address.
4. Try loading the desired website. If it doesn’t load immediately, you might have to clear your browser’s cookies and cache. Once you reload the page, it should work correctly.
5. If you face any persistent issues, you will need to reach out to your VPN provider for technical support. Most of our recommendations have live chat, available 24 hours a day.

Best VPNs for the Middle East: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice VPN for the Middle East.

Criteria for the best Middle East VPNs

Plenty of VPNs are on the market, but they do not all provide the same level of service, and very few of them will work in the Middle East. To identify the best VPNs for the Middle East, we only considered services meeting all of the criteria laid out below:

• Has a wide network, with servers in several Middle Eastern and Arab countries
• Can unblock services limited in some countries, like WhatsApp or gambling platforms
• Offers reliable, high-speed connections for streaming and downloading
• Uses powerful encryption and includes various other security features
• Includes apps for the most popular operating systems, including IOS, Android, PC, and Mac
• Logs no personally identifiable information and ideally keeps no logs whatsoever
• Has a variety of VPN protocols to choose from, including Wireguard
• Has reasonably priced plans and a money-back guarantee

This is just an overview. Our methodology section below explains how we test the VPNs we recommend. For now, let’s look at the ones that made the list.

Best VPNs for the Middle East

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for the Middle East:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our first choice VPN for the Middle East. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve seen and has a huge network of more than 5,400 servers spread throughout around 60 countries, including Turkey, Israel, and the UAE. This VPN can easily unblock even the most stubborn geo-blocked services and offers specialized obfuscated servers designed to bypass governmental blocking. With up to ten simultaneous connections allowed, you can protect most, if not all, of your devices.

This provider shows a strong commitment to your privacy. It offers 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, an ad blocker, a malware scanner, DNS, IPv6, port forwarding, and WebRTC leak protection. Users can access Tor over VPN or use two VPNs at the same time. NordVPN has a no-logs policy and allows you to sign up anonymously. Live chat is available 24/7 in case of any problems.

NordVPN apps are available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It can be manually installed on wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR THE MIDDLE EAST:NordVPN is our top pick. It offers comprehensive protection, excellent unblocking, and decent speeds at a very affordable price. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee making it a risk-free deal.

To find out more, read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great budget VPN option that doesn’t compromise on service. It has around 3,200 servers covering 100+ countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It has excellent speeds and can reliably access stubborn platforms like Netflix abroad, but two things set it apart from the competition. The first is that you can connect as many devices as you like. The second is the sheer number of security features on offer.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, as is DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. You can also use Surfshark’s kill switch, use dual VPNs, obfuscate your traffic, or let some apps through the VPN. There’s even automatic ad and malware blocking. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and support is available 24/7 via live chat.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire Stick. You may have to manually configure the service on macOS and iOS devices in certain countries. It can be manually installed on Linux and select routers.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark is a fast, security conscious VPN that offers great value for money. Connect all your devices at once. Servers in 100+ countries. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review for more information.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish has been in the VPN game for more than a decade, during which time it has expanded its server network, strengthened its privacy and purchased the majority of its hardware (most VPNs rent theirs). It’s a solid choice for the Middle East thanks to a presence in Israel, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Specifically, it has 13 servers in Tel Aviv, nine in Istanbul, and eight in Dubai. Users can tell which will most likely provide the speediest connection by glancing at the ping time and relative load listed alongside each.

If you’re trying to connect from a country with restricted internet access, IPVanish offers an obfuscation feature called Scramble. This can be activated by first switching to the OpenVPN protocol and then clicking on the toggle switch.

Other IPVanish features include a kill switch, an ad and malware blocker, split tunneling, and free access to a SOCKS5 proxy. Users who spend time away from home will appreciate the auto-connect option when an untrusted network is detected.

Privacy-wise, IPVanish is demonstrably leak-free (we tested this ourselves) and has an audited no-logs policy. It uses effectively uncrackable encryption to protect user-generated internet traffic and allows unlimited device connections. Supported platforms include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Amazon Fire Stick/ FireTV.

SCRAMBLE FEATURE:IPVanish has 30 servers in the Middle East and impressively fast connection speeds. It can obfuscate user traffic and allows unlimited device connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN can access a wide range of services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, and bypass government-imposed restrictions. It offers unlimited bandwidth, access to more than 3,000 servers across 94 countries (including Egypt and Israel), and speeds high enough to stream live HD video without any noticeable buffering.

This VPN ensures your privacy with 256-bit AES encryption (which is effectively military-grade encryption), perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Its desktop apps include a kill switch that automatically stops all traffic if you disconnect unexpectedly, which is especially useful in countries where the internet is monitored. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, plus you can pay with Bitcoin for added peace of mind. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux. There’s also custom firmware to make installing the service on a router easier.

PRIVACY-ORIENTED:ExpressVPN is fast and private, reliably works in the Middle East, and can access VoIP services such as Skype. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN offers higher speeds than many rivals but has a smaller network, with only around 200 servers. However, it’s still well worth your consideration since those servers are spread across 60+ countries, including Israel, Turkey, the UAE, and Cyprus. It’s highly secure, works in countries with strict censorship, and, as a bonus, it can even access tricky platforms like Netflix abroad. Ten connections are allowed at once, so you can stream from whichever device you prefer.

This VPN keeps your activities private with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (Windows only), and WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection. While PrivateVPN has a strict no-logging policy, it allows you to sign up anonymously using a throwaway email address and Bitcoin. Having difficulty getting set up? No problem – customer support can configure and install the software for you remotely with your permission.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Manual configuration is required for Linux-based systems or network routers.

FAST, SECURE BROWSING:PrivateVPN is a reliable, high-speed service It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, great unblocking capability, and the option to register anonymously.

Interested? check out our full PrivateVPN review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access can help you bypass restrictions in the Middle East, whether they’re due to copyright or censorship. That’s because it has an expansive server network covering more than 80 countries, including Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. PIA did well in our speed tests, and when you combine this with its unlimited bandwidth, you’ve got a VPN that’s fast enough for streaming and online gaming. This VPN also stands out for its unlimited connection allowance.

Many countries in the Middle East have restricted internet freedom, so it’s important that PIA doesn’t keep logs such as your IP address or timestamps. All of your internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel, and there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch to keep you safe online.

Private Internet Access provides apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. PIA can work with compatible routers but requires manual configuration.

SERVERS IN 80+ COUNTRIES:Private Internet Access offers unlimited bandwidth, and provides servers in more than 80 countries. Secure unlimited devices simultaneously. All connections are 256-bit AES encrypted. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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7. PureVPN

PureVPN boasts a very large network, with servers in 65 countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. It’s noticeably faster than most competing services, delivering average download speeds of almost 400 Mbps – that’s quick enough to stream 4K video on almost a dozen devices simultaneously. Conveniently, PureVPN works flawlessly with platforms like Netflix and allows up to 10 connections at a time. 24/7 assistance is available via live chat, though we’d urge you to install the app before arriving since the website may be blocked in certain countries.

So why choose this service? For starters, it’s very easy to use and has unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection enabled by default. Additionally, PureVPN has built-in traffic obfuscation, making it significantly more difficult to tell that you’re using a VPN in the first place. There’s a strict zero-logs policy, which we know for a fact given that this provider has been audited multiple times. We would like to see some form of anonymous payment option, though, and for the tracker-blocking feature to be extended to all users (not just those with Plus or Max subscriptions).

PureVPN offers its own Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. If you’d rather secure your entire home network, there are manual setup guides explaining how to install it on a router.

EVADE CENSORSHIP:PureVPN allows you to access the wider internet in places like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. What’s more, it provides exceptional performance and doesn’t compromise where security is concerned. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still not sure? Learn more with our complete PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN recently grew its network to a stunning 4,000 servers and 85+ countries. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s among the fastest providers on the market and can help you access region-locked sites from a wide range of Middle Eastern locations including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. There is a free plan available, but this limits your speeds, number of connections, and server access, so we’d suggest upgrading sooner rather than later. Also, be sure to download the app before traveling abroad, just in case ProtonVPN’s website is inaccessible in your destination.

When it comes to security, this VPN is one of the best. It blocks ads and trackers automatically, prevents data leaks, and uses uncrackable encryption to keep your activities private. There are also multi-hop servers kept in underground data centers to minimize the risk of third-party interference (though these are noticeably slower than the general-purpose servers). Crucially, ProtonVPN follows a no-logging policy, has been independently-audited, and accepts both Bitcoin and cash payments.

ProtonVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. Further, users can follow manual setup instructions to get it running directly on most routers.

ADVANCED SECURITY:ProtonVPN gives you lots of ways to customize your setup. Not only that, it’s extremely fast, works with a ton of geo-blocked apps, and refuses to store details of your online activities. Paid subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for the Middle East: our testing methodology

There are hundreds of VPN providers all vying for your business, but many of them are unsuitable for day-to-day browsing, let alone bypassing strict online censorship. To keep your online activities private in the Middle East, you’ll need a first-rate VPN, which is why we examined each potential recommendation on the following criteria:

• Server selection: There are 18 Middle Eastern countries, and ideally, we’d like there to be a network of servers in as many of these locations as possible. Of course, there must also be servers in countries without digital censorship too, and the more, the better.
• Network speeds: Every VPN will slow your speeds somewhat, but we test candidates to ensure we only recommend VPNs fast enough for tasks like torrenting, streaming, and browsing.
• Security: Considering governmental surveillance is a real problem in the Middle East, your security is of paramount importance. All of the VPNs above include effectively uncrackable encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch at a minimum. This means they can protect your online privacy and keep your internet traffic anonymous. Of course, more security tools are never a bad thing.
• Privacy: We will not recommend a VPN that logs personally identifiable data. This means that our top VPNs can’t reveal what you do online, even if they’re threatened with legal action.
• Unblocking capabilities: Travelers may not be able to keep in touch with friends and family as they travel, so regaining access to your usual home services is very important. We run dozens of tests to see how well these VPNs fare against geo-blocking. We prefer providers that offer a stealth mode for getting around these kinds of restrictions.
• Ease of use: VPNs should be simple and straightforward for anyone to use. We like to see additional quality-of-life features, like unlimited connections and 24/7 support as well.
• Value: Some less scrupulous providers try to get away with charging more than they’re worth. However, we examine what they offer compared to similarly-priced competitors to make sure you never pay more than you should. We also take any available discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees into account.
• Apps and devices: A VPN should be portable, which means it needs to work on your portable devices. We test each Middle East VPN on IOS, Android, PC, and Mac, to ensure you can protect your online activity on the go. We also consider how many simultaneous device connections are supported.

This is actually only one small part of the testing that we do. Interested in learning more? Why not read about our full VPN testing process?

Internet censorship in the Middle East

Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have some of the most pervasive internet censorship in the world. There are numerous documented cases of citizens being prosecuted for speaking ill of the government or expressing opinions contrary to the status quo. These countries restrict access to huge swathes of content, and these blocks often include popular social media platforms, messaging apps, and news websites, severely restricting the flow of unbiased information.

This table shows you the current status of internet censorship and VPN regulations throughout the Middle East.

VPNs for the Middle East: FAQs