Best VPNs for Philippines in 2024: Overcome restrictions

Are you alarmed by the diminishing internet liberties in the Philippines? The recent Freedom on the Net 2022 report by Freedom House reveals a troubling shift: the Philippines is now “partly free”. From the shutdown of ABS-CBN to a rise in arrests over social media content, digital freedoms are under threat. But it’s not all bleak.

We’ve uncovered the best solution through rigorous research and testing: a VPN tailored for the Philippines. Beyond just encryption, a quality VPN cloaks your IP address, granting you the power to sidestep geo-blocks and even unlock censored platforms like Rappler.

Why settle for a restricted online landscape when you can fully secure and liberate your digital experience. Read our findings and discover the best VPNs for the Philippines, ensuring you remain both private and free online.

If you don’t have time to read the rest of this article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for the Philippines:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for the Philippines. Strong security and privacy features to protect your online activity. Works well for streaming content at blazing speeds. Works with most major streaming platforms and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for the Philippines.
2. Surfshark: Best budget option for the Philippines. Boasts powerful security features, a no-logs policy, and the ability to circumvent country-wide internet censorship. Can also access geo-restricted content.
3. IPVanish: Known for its excellent speed and secure service. Essential features like IPv6 leak protection and great support for P2P traffic. Popular with torrentors.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast speeds and great security features such as a no-logging policy and high-end encryption. Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and plenty of other streaming sites.
5. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use apps. Huge server network and faster speeds than most other VPNs. Is perfect for obtaining a Philippine IP address for watching Philippine content.
6. Private Internet Access: Servers in over 80 countries. Good speeds with unlimited bandwidth. Secure ten devices at once. Strict no-logs policy.
7. PureVPN: Beginner-friendly service with exceptional speeds and unblocking ability. Works almost anywhere in the world and provides all the security tools you’ll need to browse safely.
8. ProtonVPN: No-logs VPN with privacy at its core. Boasts a large network, impressive unblocking capabilities, and a wide range of advanced security tools plus 24/7 support.

Best VPNs for the Philippines – Our in-depth analysis

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

Best VPNs for the Philippines

Our list of the best VPNs for the Philippines is based on the following factors:

• Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming and torrenting
• Large network of servers across for unblocking content worldwide
• Strong encryption parameters to maintain privacy and anonymity
• Live chat and email support, preferably available 24 hours a day
• Money-back guarantee of at least 30 days so you can try risk-free

Based on real-world experience, here’s a list of the best VPNs for the Philippines:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for a VPN in threPhilippines. It outperforms most VPNs in our speed tests and boasts a huge network of servers. The company operates over 8,200 servers in 111 countries, making it a robust choice for an entire range of web activity. NordVPN works with many online streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It supports torrenting.

This VPN provider is one of the few that helps you pick a server specifically for your requirements – this could be Double VPN or even P2P.  A fervent adopter of a completely zero-logs policy, it retains zero information about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps. The company encrypts internet traffic via the 256-bit AES protocol by default and uses 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled.

There’s support for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can also connect up to six devices at the same time.

BEST PHILIPPINES VPN:NordVPN is our top choice. A good all-rounder that works well with popular streaming services. Strong security features and allows up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Here’s our in-depth review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that boasts a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 65 countries. This VPN has fantastic unblocking ability and allows users to access platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer from anywhere. Further, although most providers limit you to a handful of simultaneous connections, Surfshark lets users connect as many devices as they like.

This service offers numerous tools for the security-conscious individual. There’s 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, for a start. You can also take advantage of split tunneling functionality, a combination ad-blocker/malware-scanner, and a NoBorders mode that lets you access the internet freely in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you although you can pay in cryptocurrency for even greater privacy. If you need any help, customer support is on hand 24/7 via live chat and email.

Surfshark offers iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps. It can also be manually configured to work with your home router.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark provides decent speeds and can unblock plenty of region-locked services but more importantly, it keeps no logs and includes a wide array of security features. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish doesn’t compromise on any facets of a premium VPN service – and is mindful of maintaining user privacy and anonymity while offering great speeds. With over 1,900 servers spread across 60 countries, a suitable connection is never out of reach. It also works well with streaming services such as Netflix US.

This VPN provider declines to hold information on users with its zero-logs policy. Tough security parameters mean your data should remain protected. IPVanish leverages 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048 key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included within the system architecture and adds an additional layer of security.

There are apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections and is great for families. Recommended for its high standard of privacy and fast speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a large network of over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries including some in the Philippines. These options make it a handy choice for expatriates living in the country as well as local residents traveling abroad who wish to keep in touch with local content. The service lets you securely access content on Netflix without any issues. It works with Hulu and BBC iPlayer as well and supports torrents.

Privacy concerns are eased by ExpressVPN’s policy of not storing any traffic logs at all. Encryption protocols are stringent. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES-CBC with the utilization of both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch temporarily halts all web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly. If you’d still like to remain completely anonymous, it’s possible to sign up with a burner email account and pay via Bitcoin. This means your digital footprint is largely hidden.

There are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

PRIVACY-FIRST VPN:ExpressVPN is a secure, private VPN. It’s optimized for high-speed connections. Great on privacy and security. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has increased its selection of servers significantly and does the job especially well for beginner users who don’t want a ton of customizable options. Speeds are fast, there’s an easy-to-use interface, and privacy standards are stringent. With over 7,000 servers spread across 90 countries, there are plenty of options for an adequate connection.

The company, which is incorporated in Romania, says it has a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t store any user logs or data. CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. There’s an internet kill switch included, too which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

BEGINNER FRIENDLY:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well in the Philippines. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has an impressive network of servers that covers more than 80 countries at the time of writing. It’s well placed to securely access a variety of geo-blocked content, be it Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, or even Filipino TV channels such as ABS-CBN. Thanks to the fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you should be able to stream without having to deal with lag and buffering.

With just one PIA account, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. This is a highly secure service with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch feature. There’s plenty of versatility, too, with the option to purchase premium add-ons such as a Windows antivirus or a dedicated IP address. Your privacy is very much protected because PIA also operates a strict no-logs policy.

Private Internet Access has apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also use browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Manual setup is required to use PIA with routers.

GLOBAL NETWORK:Private Internet Access has servers in over 80 countries and doesn’t throttle your bandwidth. Stream Filipino TV and Netflix without lag. 24/7 support and allows ten simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is a solid choice for international travelers looking to protect themselves while visiting the Philippines. It offers servers in 65 countries and some of the highest speeds we’ve seen (roughly 400 Mbps the last time we tested it). Not only that, it works with many popular services including Amazon Prime Video and can beat just about any form of digital censorship. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time and although the apps are very easy to use, live chat-based support is available 24 hours per day.

One of the great things about this service is that it doesn’t overcomplicate things. For instance, it blocks IPv6 and DNS leaks, uses unbreakable encryption, and has a kill switch enabled by default. PureVPN follows a no-logging policy and boasts an extensive audit history; in other words, it doesn’t know what you get up to online and can’t hand over details of your activities even if asked to. There’s no need to manually configure anything either since PureVPN will automatically obfuscate your data if it realizes you’re in a country with strict online restrictions.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, Macos, and Linux. It can be manually installed on most home routers in case you need to protect more than 10 devices simultaneously.

FASTER THAN MOST:PureVPN delivers top-tier performance and doesn’t compromise on security. Can help you access whatever you like in the Philippines and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has over a dozen servers in the Philippines and 3,800 total across 85 countries. It’s one of the fastest providers we’ve seen too, with average downloads speeds of over 330 Mbps. That’s quick enough for live streaming, playing online games, and torrenting. You can even access stubborn platforms like Disney Plus and Hulu during your stay. It’s worth noting, however, that ProtonVPN’s website may be inaccessible in the Philippines, so you’ll have to install the service and make a note of the support email address before leaving home.

This VPN definitely impresses when it comes to security. By default, it keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Additionally, it can block ads and trackers automatically and follows a strict, independently-verified no-logging policy. If you’d like a little extra privacy, you can connect to one of the many Secure Core servers which send your traffic through multiple countries. ProtonVPN accepts cash and Bitcoin payments too so that you can sign up as anonymously as possible.

Proton VPN has its own Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on just about any router.

SECURE FILIPINO SERVERS:ProtonVPN is an ultra-fast service that’s perfect for anyone looking to browse safely in the Philippines. With strong security, a decent local presence, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans, there isn’t much more you can ask for.

Take a look at our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for the Philippines

Digital privacy is a concern for everyone, but internet users in the Philippines have more to worry about than most. With draconian censorship laws and arrests for online activities becoming increasingly common, there’s no space for anything less than the best in our recommendations. To find the best VPNs for the Philippines, we carefully considered how each performed in the following areas:

• Privacy: This is priority number one, given that citizens face extremely harsh sentences (and even violence) for posting content that the government doesn’t like online. None of the VPNs above keep logs that could identify you, and many allow you to pay anonymously in Bitcoin. Some even offer RAM-only servers for added protection.
• Security: Even if your traffic is intercepted, with strong enough security, it’s meaningless to any observers. Our recommended VPNs have, at a minimum, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. However, we prioritize those that include an even wider range of security tools.
• Network scale and speed: Generally, the larger a VPN’s network, the more consistent your connection will be (since servers are less likely to be overloaded). However, this doesn’t mean anything if your speeds are too slow actually to browse the web. That’s why we make sure only to recommend VPNs that rank highly in our speed testing.
• Unblocking potential: Not every service can get around country-wide restrictions. We look for those with stealth modes or other forms of traffic obfuscation since these tend to be better at slipping under the radar.
• User-friendliness: Services must make it as easy as possible to protect yourself online. We look out for well-designed apps, 24/7 live chat, and pre-configured security tools, as well as consider whether the connection limit is enough for most people.
• Price: We compare each service to rivals with similar functionality to see if they’re priced fairly. If not, it doesn’t make the cut. We also pay attention to any trials, money-back guarantees, or long-term discounts that are available, so we can let you know about any you might be able to save money.

Of course, this isn’t the only testing we do. To find out more about how we put services through their paces, check out our full VPN testing methodology post.

What about a free VPN for the Philippines?

There are definitely several free VPNs lurking around on the interwebs but don’t expect the same speeds and encryption standards that paid options offer.

Free VPNs usually monetize by deluging you with all sorts of invasive advertisements, inserting tracking cookies, and selling your data. There have also been instances of services hijacking your bandwidth and turning you into a foot soldier in a massive botnet army.

Some of the VPNs listed in the article do offer a free trial. That’s a handy option if you’re not sure whether to opt for a VPN completely. But we recommend you avoid the random ones that exist on the internet. They’re probably too good to be true.

How do I access pornography in the Philippines?

Filipinos are voracious adopters of pornographic content, with residents in the country spending more time on adult sites per session than in any other country. However, accessing said material is banned under local laws with the government recently blocking a litany of such sites. In February, local ISPs were directed by the Philippines National Telecommunications Commission to prevent people from downloading and streaming porn.

The easiest way to circumvent this issue is by signing up for one of the VPNs mentioned in this list, connecting to a server in Europe or North America, and navigating to the sites you want to visit. Your identity will remain hidden.

Internet freedom in the Philippines

The latest report by Freedom House, a global advocacy body, says internet freedom in the country has declined from its rankings last year and slipped to a ‘Not Free’ status.

It cites the forced closure of the news site Rappler as a particular area of concern, along with an increasing number of arrests of journalists and bloggers. The government also allegedly purchased sophisticated surveillance equipment, pointing to a greater environment of repression.

In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled against certain tenets of the Cybercrime Prevention Act which would have allowed the Department of Justice carte blanche authority to block content without obtaining a court order. One of the few things restricted is online libel and defamation, but other than that Filipinos can write, blog, and participate in discussions online without a significant threat of blowback.

However, there are areas of concern. Current president Duterte’s crackdown on criminals and open encouragement of extrajudicial killings seem to have instilled a sense of fear across the country. Freedom House notes that digital activism seems to have decreased since his election – although it doesn’t proffer any hard data to substantiate this claim.

Violence against journalists is also an issue. Since 1992, at least 77 local journalists have been killed in relation to their work. A poor rate of conviction has drawn criticism from human rights bodies with some current journalists also receiving threatening messages via digital mediums. President Duterte hasn’t done much to allay concerns either – saying journalists getting paid to attack or defend politicians deserve to be killed.

Related: How to blog anonymously, a guide for activists, whistleblowers, and journalists.

VPN for Philippines FAQ