Best VPN for Saudi Arabia in 2026: Bypass Online Censorship 

By Kate Hawkins

Last update: January 21, 2026

Saudi Arabia restricts many web pages while closely watching internet use. If you’re in the country and need reliable access to blocked content, or you’re traveling and want to access Saudi services, you need a VPN that actually works there.

My testing focused on finding the best VPNs that are capable of bypassing advanced state filters discreetly, avoiding detection risks effectively. Read on to learn which services protect your online activity and bypass online censorship.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 5,400+ servers in 59 countries
2. 

   Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

   Visit Surfshark
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1700+ Servers in 63 Countries
3. 

   Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

   Visit Proton VPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   1500 Servers in 61 Countries
4. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

   Get 49% Off ExpressVPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries
5. 

   Overall Rating 8.7 / 10

   Visit Windscribe VPN
   Money-Back Guarantee

   3 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Servers in 55 Countries

Why Do I Need a VPN for Saudi Arabia? 

Saudi Arabia sends every bit of global web traffic through a filter hub, controlled today by the CITC. Picture a super strict online bouncer, one that never clocks out and always works overtime.

In 2024, officials took down over 22,900 posts while shutting access to more than 7,900 web pages. Some say Saudi Arabia has banned around 60,000 adult sites, VoIP apps, independent news outlets, material on faiths outside of Islam, betting platforms, and essentially any online content that those in charge consider questionable or challenging.

A VPN sends your data through a server in another country, making it look like you’re online somewhere else. This method completely avoids the internet checks that Saudi Arabia has in place. But there is a problem: many VPNs don’t work anymore because local filters block them. This means that it is important to choose one that does work.

Can a VPN Give me a Saudi Arabian IP Address?

Yes, though only a handful of VPNs have servers in the area. When you’re living in Saudi Arabia or visiting from overseas and need to reach local banks or watch region-locked shows, you’ll need to pick a service that actually has servers there.

Currently, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN stand out as they are among the small group with real Saudi IPs. The thing is, folks already inside the country usually aren’t after a local IP; they’d rather seem like they’re connecting from another part of the world.

My Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPN for Saudi Arabia 

I wasn’t fooled by ads boasting “perfect for Saudi Arabia!” (everyone claims that). While checking how VPNs handle local internet limits, I zeroed in on real issues like dodging tight state monitoring and bypassing blocks.

• Obfuscation technology: Does the VPN hide as normal web browsing so it won’t get flagged by network scans?
• Server proximity: Are there nearby servers in the Middle East or Europe for decent speeds?
• Kill switch reliability: If the VPN drops, does your real IP leak to Saudi ISPs?
• No-logs policies: Given Saudi Arabia’s surveillance appetite, I only recommend audited no-logs providers.
• Successful bypass rate: Many VPN provider websites are blocked in Saudi Arabia, so it’s challenging to even download it there, let alone use it. I checked for mirror sites to make accessing the VPN easier.

The 5 Best Saudi Arabia VPN Services 

Here’s how these five stack up on the metrics that matter most:

1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for Saudi Arabia

NordVPN tops my list since it’s made for situations just like this. Though most VPN brands throw around meaningless terms like “military-grade encryption” like free candy, NordVPN gives you real features meant for places where authorities go after encrypted connections.

The obfuscated servers disguise your secure data as normal web browsing, which is key when Saudi authorities are hunting for VPN use. Think real invisibility, not some flashy marketing term they throw around but falls short on its promises.

My Experience With NordVPN: Hands-On Performance

When I tried NordVPN by connecting to areas close to Saudi Arabia, the UAE option handed me 282 Mbps download speed and ping crept up to just 26ms. Pretty solid, especially considering it’s wrestling encrypted tunnels plus cross-region connections.

Here’s why I got hooked: the NordWhisper setup. It’s NordVPN’s fix for strict spots such as Saudi Arabia or China where networks scan internet traffic closely. I messaged support to find out how this wasn’t just another version of NordLynx.

First, the rep said something oddly short (“It is a protocol”), which made me laugh, then an actual tech stepped in. They broke down how it gives stronger cover in censored areas. It’s built on WireGuard, like NordLynx, but dressed up with hidden tricks to slip past filters.

NordVPN Test Results

The ad blocker aced the tough challenge over at canyoublockit.com, but YouTube ads slipped past anyway, which pretty much happens with any VPN using basic DNS filtering.

NordVPN Pricing and Value

Nord’s priced at $2.99 monthly if you lock in for two years. What you’re really getting is solid performance plus tools made for tough network conditions. You can get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied. Read our NordVPN review for more details.

Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

Visit NordVPN

$2.99 per month (two-year plan + three months)

2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN for Saudi Arabia

If you’re living in Saudi Arabia but don’t wanna drain your wallet, give Surfshark a shot. With endless device access, you can cover your phone, laptop, tablet, streaming box, even your kid’s gadgets on a single plan. That coverage really matters on networks where websites are banned, so everyone at home stays safe.

My Experience With Surfshark: Hands-On Performance

Surfshark hit me as way smoother than expected; for something cheap, it works like a charm. The layout is intuitive, with clean sections that make navigation easy. Pick a country and it starts connecting right away, with a progress bar so you see things are working. It never leaves you stuck thinking the app crashed or froze.

What really stood out was how the MultiHop option allows personalized server combos. I connected to the UAE via Switzerland and it worked flawlessly. Most services lock you into fixed routes, but Surfshark puts you in charge. It’s a meaningful extra layer of protection if the Saudi networks try to trace traffic related to censored content.

Surfshark Test Results

One downside: CleanWeb didn’t stop any malware during testing. Harmful test sites from WICAR opened freely, which is annoying if you live somewhere scams and spying are real worries. Invest in dedicated antivirus software instead.

Surfshark Pricing and Value

For just $1.99 monthly over two years, Surfshark is wildly affordable, especially with unlimited simultaneous connections. If you’re not happy, you can get a refund within 30 days. Take a look at our in-depth Surfshark review for more.

Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

Visit Surfshark

$2.49 per month (two-year plan + three months)

3. Proton VPN — Best Privacy-Focused VPN for Saudi Arabia

Instead of just promising safety, Proton VPN follows Swiss law, where data protection is nothing like what goes on in Saudi monitoring circles. It’s designed for privacy, with features like Secure Core routing and a Stealth protocol to keep your connection secure and away from prying eyes.

My Experience With Proton VPN: Hands-On Performance

Proton VPN was by folks who understand online threats, not sales teams tossing around phrases like “military-grade.” Stealth mode slipped past deep packet checks without a hitch; meanwhile, Secure Core reroutes your data through places such as Iceland or Sweden first. That detour happens before anything accesses the web, adding another layer of privacy.

While running tests, I hit 282 Mbps download speed with just a tiny 10ms delay. That VPN Accelerator (honestly didn’t think it’d work well) really did boost my speeds. NetShield blocked ads pretty effectively, too.

Proton VPN Test Results

A small hassle; the mobile app misses a few detailed controls you get on desktop, such as setting your own DNS. When it comes to everyday security in Saudi Arabia, the mobile app still works just fine.

Proton VPN Pricing and Value

For $2.99 a month over two years, Proton VPN costs about average yet leads in privacy proof. Its free version only works on select servers, but it’s handy for trying things out first. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee; check out our Proton VPN review for more information.

Overall Rating 8.8 / 10

Visit Proton VPN

Free or $2.99 per month (two-year plan)

4. ExpressVPN — Best Reliable VPN for Saudi Arabia

ExpressVPN costs more, but you’re getting something special. It’s beyond reliable for its nearby connections; throughout my tests, I didn’t experience a single connection drop. Plus, its Lightway protocol keeps speeds consistently fast, even if you’re connecting to distant servers.

My Experience With ExpressVPN: Hands-On Performance

Let’s face it; ExpressVPN looks decidedly old-school. While the apps all run properly, scrolling through those cramped menu labels feels like tweaking an early 2000s PC. Paying top dollar means expecting something that doesn’t feel stuck in the past.

Having said that, performance was flawless. When connected to a server in Italy, about 2,300 km from Saudi Arabia, I got 276 Mbps download speeds plus a 70ms response time. If I shut the app suddenly, the kill switch kicked in every time without fail; also, no DNS leaks showed up during checks.

ExpressVPN Test Results

Split tunneling worked smoothly on an app-by-app basis. I bound µTorrent to the VPN, and when the connection dropped, torrenting stopped immediately. Perfect.

ExpressVPN Pricing and Value

For $3.49 a month with yearly billing, ExpressVPN is pricier than similar options. That fee covers a solid track record (18 passed audits from independent checkers) access to servers near Saudi Arabia, and steady speed when using it. You can try it risk-free for 30 days or learn more details in our ExpressVPN review.

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

Get 49% Off ExpressVPN

$3.49 per month (two-year plan + four months)

5. Windscribe — Best Free-Tier VPN for Saudi Arabia

Windscribe is a fun pick. Its chat helper, Garry, is surprisingly capable. It troubleshot issues, explained features, and could escalate to human agents when needed. While it only has 10GB of monthly data, it’s enough for light browsing or occasional streaming, all backed by high-quality security and privacy features.

My Experience With Windscribe: Hands-On Performance

The free plan gives 10GB each month; handy if you’re in Saudi Arabia and only want quick entry to restricted news pages or chat tools. It’s way better compared to typical free VPNs, which often limit you to 500MB while pushing paid plans right away.

R.O.B.E.R.T., the DNS filter, actually works well. In trials, it shut down 97% of ads on regular checks while catching malicious pages other VPNs skipped. Use your own rules to cut out adult stuff, betting spots, social media, junk links, or crypto-mining domains. Think of it as a multi-tool for shutting down web clutter.

Windscribe Test Results

One big issue stood out: video streams didn’t look nearly as good as they did on rival services. Even though speeds seemed okay in tests, playback often couldn’t hold steady at 720p. It could get past restrictions fine, but actual streaming felt rough.

Windscribe Pricing and Value

The price setup is smart; pick just the server spots you want, then pay only $3 per month (additional servers are an extra $1/month) instead of wasting cash on global coverage you won’t touch. Standard plans are more expensive, starting at $5.75/month. Paid plans only give you a 7-day refund window. Take a look at our Windscribe review for more details.

Overall Rating 8.7 / 10

Visit Windscribe VPN

Free or $5.75 per month (one-year plan)

Is It Safe to Use a Free VPN in Saudi Arabia? 

When you’re in a country where the state shuts down countless sites and punishes dissenters hard, relying on a sketchy VPN could backfire fast. This is especially true for many free VPNs that collect and sell your online activity; since these no-cost services need revenue, they often sell your data if you’re not paying.

That said, there are some notable exceptions, like ProtonVPN, PrivadoVPN, Hide.me, Tunnelbear and Windscribe. These VPPNs have free versions that stand out since they come from real companies that make money through paid plans; the basic options aim to get people upgrading. Those sketchy free VPNs you find online? They’re just spying gadgets dressed up to look helpful.

How to Use a Saudi Arabia VPN 

Getting set up is straightforward, but you might need to work around Saudi filters blocking VPN provider websites. Ideally, download your VPN before you arrive in the country, or look for VPN mirror sites if you’re already there.

1. Sign Up Before You Travel

If you’re heading to Saudi Arabia, grab a VPN now before landing. Since the government blocks many VPN sites, getting one later could be tricky.

2. Download the VPN App

Download the app onto every gadget you’re taking along, so all of your connections are protected.

3. Enable Security and Privacy Protections

Turn on your VPN’s stealth mode before linking up; this could be a secure protocol or using obfuscated servers. Turn on the kill switch, too.

4. Connect to a Nearby Server

Pick a spot in the UAE, Turkey or Egypt for way faster connections. Steer clear of distant servers across the globe unless slow loading sounds fun. Now you’re ready to browse the internet freely and privately.

Online Privacy & Internet Freedom in Saudi Arabia Explained 

Browsing the web in Saudi Arabia is like walking through regular and heavily guarded checkpoints. Each site loads only after passing state filters, while your chats may be watched from behind the scenes. If you say anything critical about the authorities, they can quickly lock you up. This is daily life on one of Earth’s tightest-leashed digital networks.

Government Regulations

Saudi Arabia sends every global web connection through state-run gateways located at King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology. Since 2006, the CITC has taken charge of the country’s DNS setup along with tools that filter online material, giving officials power to scan and cut off websites, apps or digital platforms before people can open them.

The CITC runs two main blocklists: one targeting content labeled “immoral,” like porn, LGBT content or Shia websites, and the other blocking anything seen as opposing the Saudi regime. Laws supporting this go back to a 2001 decision by top officials, but controls grew fast after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in 2018, around when censorship spiked.

Freedom of Speech Online

Honestly, there is very little free speech. Internet freedom in Saudi Arabia gets a “not free” rating from Freedom House, mainly because of heavy state monitoring. Social media faces strict limits, while loosely written cybercrime rules pile on control.

Authorities often use these laws to target dissidents instead of just fighting real crime. Charges such as “stirring unrest” or “sharing misleading claims” silence voices without clear definitions. Human rights sites (like ANHRI or ACPRA) are banned, so people inside the country can’t easily find truthful updates on freedom and justice issues.

Censorship & Content Restrictions 

Saudi Arabia blocks a significant amount of content related to politics, religion, or society. Saudi Arabia restricts websites connected to Iran, Hezbollah, or Yemeni factions, as well as pages related to the Muslim Brotherhood. Info about the Holocaust often gets cut off too.

Any material pushing atheism usually disappears. Criticism aimed at Islam (specifically Wahhabism) isn’t allowed. Even news on terrorist acts faces limits, whether it’s from Western outlets or regional sources talking about ISIS incidents.

Social rules tie in with tight moral limits: online betting gets shut down, movies get trimmed when there’s drinking shown, and adult content is banned. Apps people often use for calls and chats, like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber, aren’t allowed.

Even though folks still post on Twitter or browse Facebook, officials can wipe posts if they say it threatens peace, safety, or harms the reputation of the state. These categories are broad enough to cover basically anything.

Are VPNs Legal? 

Using a VPN in Saudi Arabia isn’t directly against the law, though it’s a bit of a legal gray area. While there’s no specific ban on VPNs, loose cybercrime laws cover nearly anything officials don’t like online. Since laws come from religious principles and royal orders, authorities often decide what’s allowed without strict guidelines to follow.

The general public hasn’t been punished just for running a VPN, even if access to many provider sites gets cut off. About three out of ten online users in Saudi Arabia have a VPN, and getting into restricted streaming platforms, media, or chat tools usually goes unchecked. 

Issues occur when someone speaks against authority or plans actions under the radar, since unclear rules can still lead to penalties. A solid VPN connection with no logs helps stay safer, but dodging state filters means accepting some danger.

Are There Any Alternatives to Using a VPN for Saudi Arabia? 

Yes, there are a few alternatives, like proxy servers a go, Smart DNS, or Tor Browser. Yet here’s the thing: when it comes to Saudi Arabia, each one falls short compared to a solid VPN. Here’s why they just don’t measure up:

• Proxy servers send your data via a middleman server, but they leave it unprotected. Your internet provider in Saudi Arabia might spot what sites you visit, so using one could draw attention and isn’t really safe.
• Smart DNS shifts where you appear to be when watching shows, but there’s no encryption. Great for Netflix, but if someone’s spying, it won’t help at all.
• Tor Browser keeps you hidden well, but trying to access it might raise flags while delivering painfully sluggish performance. Using it regularly in Saudi Arabia just doesn’t work.

A good VPN scrambles everything you send online, keeps what you do hidden from both your internet provider and officials, and still runs fast enough to use daily. Nothing else really works when dealing with Saudi Arabia’s mix of heavy monitoring and blocked sites.

Conclusion

If you’re staying in Saudi Arabia or just visiting, grab a solid VPN to dodge local content blocks without hassle. After tons of testing, NordVPN works best thanks to its stealth connections and steady uptime, plus fast speeds.

Which VPN is catching your eye lately? Have you tried accessing restricted content from Saudi Arabia? What was your experience? Drop your take right in the comments, and thank you for reading.

FAQ: Best VPN App for Saudi Arabia 

• Which VPN Has a Saudi Arabia Server?

  Both Proton VPN and ExpressVPN have servers inside Saudi Arabia. If you’re overseas but want to reach local banks or stream region-locked Saudi shows, these VPNs make it possible.

• Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?

  Yes, it’s technically legal to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia. Using a VPN isn’t directly banned in Saudi Arabia; there’s no known legal action taken just for using a VPN (nearly one-third of internet users there do). However, it’s a gray area, and you could get into legal trouble for using a VPN to access blocked or restricted content.

• Which Is the Best VPN to Use in Saudi Arabia? 

  NordVPN works well in Saudi Arabia because it hides your traffic with its NordWhisper protocol and provides reliable connections on restrictive networks.