Best VPNs for South Africa in 2025
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As of January 2025, NordVPN remains the top VPN for South Africa. This provider has 7200+ servers in 118 countries, and 50+ of them are located in South Africa. I joined a team of experts to review and test the best VPNs on the market to find providers that efficiently bypass geo-restrictions in South Africa. Our hands-on experience and testing results are presented in this comprehensive guide.
Such popular streaming platforms as DStv, Showmax, Showmax Pro, SABC+, and Netflix South Africa, are not available outside of South Africa due to location-based content restrictions. Fortunately, you can access them all, even if you travel abroad. All you need is a reliable VPN with a South African IP address.
Without a reliable VPN, you might miss out on South African content. By connecting through a VPN server in ZA, you not only unlock these services but also gain privacy and security benefits – ideal for both travelers and residents who want access to international content and protection from prying eyes.
However, not all VPNs have servers in South Africa, nor do they have the ability to bypass geo-blocks. After thorough testing, I selected 5 best free and paid VPNs for South Africa that excel in performance, security, are easy to use, and don't hurt the wallet.
Best South Africa VPNs compared
Here’s a quick comparison of the best South Africa VPNs and what they bring to the table:
VPN for South Africa | Rating | Streaming | Logging | Servers | Simultaneous connections | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | No logs, independently audited | 7200+ servers in 118 countries | 10 | From $3.39/month | |
Surfshark | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | No logs, independently audited | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | Unlimited | From $2.19/month | |
Norton VPN | BBC iPlayer, Max | No logs, unaudited | 2000+ servers in 30 countries | 10 | From $3.33/month | |
IPVanish | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | No logs, independently audited | 2400+ servers in 100 countries | Unlimited | From $2.19/month | |
TunnelBear | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | No logs, independently audited | 8000+ servers in 45 countries | Unlimited | From $3.33/month |
Top 5 best VPNs for South Africa
- NordVPN – my top choice for a VPN in South Africa 2025
- Surfshark – South Africa VPN that supports unlimited devices
- Norton VPN Standard – a security-focused VPN for South Africa
- IPVanish – high-speed VPN for South Africa
- TunnelBear – free South Africa VPN
How to choose South Africa VPN
It’s self-explanatory that a VPN for South Africa must have local servers. But that’s definitely not enough to make it a top VPN. Here are the main aspects you should consider when choosing the right VPN for South Africa.
- Security and privacy. A reputable VPN for South Africa should apply the most advanced security and privacy measures. I recommend choosing a VPN that uses AES-256 encryption, has a functional kill switch, and follows an independently audited no-logs policy.
- Unblocking capabilities. Whether you’re in or outside South Africa, being able to unblock geo-restricted content with a VPN is one of the main criteria to evaluate. Read reviews, question support teams, and make sure the VPN provider can unblock all your preferred streaming sites, apps, and websites.
- Performance. A VPN should offer you both a fast and stable connection. Only this way will you avoid lagging while enjoying Netflix or casually browsing. But for this to happen, the provider should use top-notch tunneling protocols like WireGuard or NordLynx, as well as manage large server fleets.
- Ease of use. While traveling or trying to unblock streaming services, it’s important for a VPN to be easily accessible. That’s why I recommend you pick a South Africa VPN with a user-friendly interface.
- Price. Undeniably, the price of a VPN subscription can be one of the selling points. So, look for a provider that ensures a fair price-to-quality ratio.
The best VPNs for South Africa: my detailed list
Together with our research team, I thoroughly reviewed 41 top VPNs and tested the top selections to find the best options for South Africa. First we chose providers with ZA servers. Then, we reviewed them for security, speed, unblocking capabilities, and overall performance. After extensive testing, I narrowed the list down to the top 5 providers that excel in all these areas. Here are in-depth reviews of each VPN, covering the best choices for accessing South African content and securing your online experience, whether you’re in the country or connecting from abroad.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for South Africa overall

Rating: | |
Based in: | Panama |
Servers in South Africa: | 50+ |
Average speed retention: | 90% |
Unblocks streaming sites: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Current deal: | Get 72% OFF NordVPN |
Our testing revealed that NordVPN is the best VPN for South Africa today. The provider has over 50 servers in Johannesburg and more than 7200 servers in 118 countries overall. So, whether you are in South Africa and need a more private online experience, or you are outside the country and wish to access South African content that’s restricted abroad, NordVPN is a versatile option.
Security and privacy. NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It employs advanced AES-256 encryption and top-tier tunneling protocols like ChaCha20, ensuring robust data protection. With RAM-only servers that wipe all data with each reboot and a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, your privacy is prioritized.
The kill switch feature also protects against IP leaks if the connection drops. Recently, NordVPN developed post-quantum encryption standards for Linux, enhancing security against future cyberthreats. These features ensure that you can browse and stream safely in South Africa.
Performance. The NordLynx tunneling protocol, based on WireGuard technology, provides NordVPN with fast and stable network connections. Users also have the option to choose from other tunneling protocols, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2, depending on their specific needs. This flexibility contributes to excellent speeds for users in South Africa, allowing for seamless streaming and browsing experiences.
Features. Some of my favorite NordVPN features is split tunneling that lets you customize which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t. In South Africa, this allows you to securely access international content while still using local services like banking without location issues, providing both security and convenience. I also appreciate the Double VPN feature that ensures extra protection by routing traffic through two servers.
Additionally, NordVPN includes Threat Protection, which automatically blocks ads and masks your VPN connection, enabling you to browse the web without annoying ads or trackers. The SmartPlay feature also allows streaming on non-VPN devices, making it easy to enjoy your favorite shows and movies while in South Africa.
Streaming. If you want to access blocked streaming services while in South Africa, NordVPN might suit you just well. It unblocks popular broadcasters, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Sky Go, and much more, within seconds. During hands-on testing, the video quality remained smooth, without noticeable lags.
Putting it all together, NordVPN has everything you might need from a VPN while staying in South Africa. What’s better is that it can cost as low as $3.39/month, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee to feel the service before committing. There’s even a 7-day free trial you can try out.
2. Surfshark – South Africa VPN with a great price-to-quality ratio

Rating: | |
Based in: | The Netherlands |
Servers in South Africa: | 9 |
Average speed retention: | 86% |
Unblocks streaming sites: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
Current deal: | Now up to 86% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
During our Surfshark research, I realized that this VPN offers a perfect combo of security, performance, and price to make it an ideal option for South Africa. You get 9 servers in Johannesburg (3200+ servers in 100 countries overall), a market-leading features suite, and fast connection speeds. Plus, you get to enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.
Security and privacy. This VPN ensures no snooper can access your online data using AES-256 encryption, which is a market-leading option. The kill switch feature protects your IP at all times. Meanwhile, RAM-only servers and an independently audited no-logs policy guarantee that your data isn’t collected by the provider.
Performance. Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs available on the market. That’s because it uses the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which is known for speedy and stable connection speeds without compromising your safety. You can also opt for OpenVPN or IKEv2 tunnels, depending on your needs. This versatility ensures that users in South Africa experience reliable, high-speed connections, ideal for smooth streaming and browsing. Overall, I’d rate Surfhark’s performance as excellent.
Features. If you’re looking for an all-around VPN option – this is it. Surfshark offers you obfuscated servers, split tunneling, a reputable ad blocker called CleanWeb, and even the antivirus suite. Additionally, you get the SmartDNS feature that allows you to have VPN benefits on devices that don’t support VPNs.
Streaming. Name a streaming service, and Surfshark will unblock it. So, whether you’re trying to access South African broadcasters like SABC+ from abroad, or you want to watch your streaming provider’s home content, Surfshark will work. I appreciated that I could watch Netflix US with Surfshark. Moreover, the quality remained great.
All in all, Surfshark suits even the pickiest users. And the price of it is a final selling point, as it costs from as little as $2.19/month for unlimited simultaneous connections. If you’re not sure about using it, benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Norton VPN Standard – secure and affordable South Africa VPN

Rating: | |
Based in: | United States |
Servers in South Africa: | Undisclosed number |
Average speed retention: | 74% |
Unblocks streaming sites: | BBC iPlayer, Max |
Current deal: | Now up to 54% OFF Norton VPN |
Norton VPN is an affordable VPN choice for South Africa, offering a simple yet highly secure solution. With 2000+ servers spanning across 30 countries, including South Africa, Norton VPN Standard ensures reliable performance and accessibility.
Security and privacy. Norton VPN employs AES encryption to safeguard your online activities from potential snoopers. With features like a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy, Norton VPN Standard ensures that your data remains private at all times. VerSprite has recently audited Norton VPN’s no-logs claims and verified them.
Performance. While not the fastest, Norton VPN Standard managed to retain around 74% of its original speeds during our tests. This is sufficient for smooth browsing in South Africa or abroad.
Features. Some of our favorite Norton VPN features include split tunneling and Wi-Fi Security, making sure you’re protected wherever you go.
Streaming. If bypassing geo-restrictions is your main reason for getting a VPN, I would suggest opting for a streaming-optimized VPN like Surfshark. During my analysis, Norton VPN managed to unblock just a few streaming platforms.
The price of Norton VPN is $3.33/month. You can also use a free trial and a 60-day money refund if you opt for a full antivirus + VPN package.
4. IPVanish – VPN that leaves no impact on connection speed

Rating: | |
Based in: | United States |
Servers in South Africa: | Undisclosed number |
Average speed retention: | 80% |
Unblocks streaming sites: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
When we tested IPVanish, it was one of the VPNs that didn’t leave a noticeable impact on connection speeds when using South Africa servers. And speaking of South Africa, the provider has multiple servers based in Johannesburg and over 2400 servers in 100 countries overall.
Security and privacy. Well, another sphere where IPVanish excels is security. This VPN trusts AES-256 encryption to mask your online activity. Its kill switch feature nailed it during my in-house tests. And an independently audited no-logs policy makes it clear that your personal data is treated with respect.
Performance. As noted in our IPVanish full review, this provider is fast. It uses the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which ensures speedy, stable, and secure network connections. In addition to WireGuard, IPVanish offers other options like OpenVPN and IKEv2, allowing you to choose the best protocol for your needs. This flexibility ensures that users in South Africa can enjoy consistently high-speed connections, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Features. The list of our favorite features is not the most extensive one, but it’s definitely enough to improve your online experience. Besides the essential split tunneling feature, you get traffic obfuscation, which helps you hide a VPN connection. IPVanish is also great for torrenting, as it gives a free SOCKS5 proxy, which hides your IP and allows downloading stuff anonymously.
Streaming. If you want to access blocked streaming services in South Africa, IPVanish is also a decent option for streaming. It unblocks multiple popular streaming platforms, including numerous Netflix catalogs, Hulu, YouTube TV, and some South African streaming services too.
It’s a well-optimized VPN suitable for a fast and secure online experience. Its starting price is $2.19/month for unlimited devices, and you can use a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
5. TunnelBear – free VPN for South Africa

Rating: | |
Based in: | Canada |
Servers in South Africa: | Undisclosed number |
Average speed retention: | 71% |
Unblocks streaming sites: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
Current deal: | Now up to 67% OFF! |
TunnelBear is a reliable free VPN that has servers in South Africa. In fact, its free version allows you to connect to any server distributed across 45 countries, which is a rare case for a free VPN. But keep in mind that you can browse only up to 2GB safely, so the free-of-charge version is quite limited.
Security and privacy. Usually, I am quite concerned about free VPN reliability, but TunnelBear isn’t the case. Whether you’re on its free or paid plan, your data is encrypted with the AES-256 cipher. The kill switch will shut down your internet connection if a VPN connection drops. And the provider also follows a no-logs policy which has been audited several times.
Performance. Surprisingly, TunnelBear’s free version provides surprisingly good connection speeds. It's due to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. However, this advanced protocol is currently limited to Windows and iOS devices. For other platforms, TunnelBear uses OpenVPN, which, while stable, can sometimes lag behind in speed compared to WireGuard.
In South Africa, this setup means that Windows and iOS users are more likely to enjoy smooth browsing and streaming, while other platforms may experience slightly slower speeds. Overall, TunnelBear is a solid option, especially if you’re on a compatible device.
Features. In my opinion, the suite of TunnelBear features is another thing to like here. As a free user, you can benefit from traffic obfuscation, split tunneling, and even an ad blocker, which can be downloaded separately for free.
Streaming. Chances of unblocking streaming services with a free VPN service are low. And yet, TunnelBear strikes again, as it managed to give us access to Netflix. However, the given data cap doesn’t let you enjoy movies for long.
Overall, free TunnelBear is a good option for temporary use in South Africa. But if you know that 2GB of protected data isn’t enough, I recommend you try the premium plan for $3.33/month.
Do I need a VPN in South Africa?
The answer depends on your needs. Here are the main benefits of a VPN use inside South Africa or anywhere else:
- Online safety and anonymity. Whether you’re traveling in South Africa or living there, there are no guarantees that you're safe from data breaches unless you use a VPN. A robust VPN, like NordVPN, applies advanced security measures to make your data impossible to access, even for the most advanced hacker.
- Better connection speed. As surprising as it is, a VPN can even help you improve your connection speed if your ISP is throttling it. That said, a VPN hides your online activity from the internet provider, and this way, it’s impossible to interrupt your connection.
- Streaming. Even though South Africa has quite an amount of streaming content to enjoy, there are still a handful of streaming sites that aren’t available in the country. With a streaming VPN, you can easily access broadcasters like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and many more.
- Torrenting. Due to the South African government’s ban on torrenting sites, it’s impossible to torrent files without additional tools. Well, a VPN offers one of the safest and most effective ways to bypass this ban. With a torrenting VPN, you can access torrenting sites and download files without getting tracked. Yet, keep in mind that going against copyright laws in South Africa is considered a crime.
How to get a South African IP address with a VPN
Using a reputable VPN to get the South African IP is easy. But to make the process for you even smoother, I will guide you through the setup right now:
- Choose a VPN provider with servers in South Africa – I recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF
-
Download and install the VPN app on your device
-
Connect to a server in South Africa
-
Enable the kill switch
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
- Browse freely with the South African IP
Internet censorship in South Africa
South Africa is one of the top countries in Africa in terms of internet freedom. Yet, that doesn’t mean citizens or visitors don’t face any online censorship.
First and foremost, the South African government is technically able to target surveillance on its citizens’ online activity massively. Intelligence services rely on a tool that monitors South Africans’ social media activities and reports the results to the government.
Some known South African government targets are activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and such. The reveal happened back in 2018 when it was found that South Africa is one 45 countries using the Pegasus spyware to collect users’ information on iOS and Android devices secretly.
Another point to remember is that South Africa goes through many cyberattacks on critical infrastructure like Life Healthcare. There were even incidents when South African online banks got targeted by DDoS and ransomware attacks.
On the online content side, in 2022, the Film and Publications Amendment Act enabled the Film and Publications Board (FPB) to regulate the censorship of distributed content. In other words, the FPB can restrict access to specific content that doesn’t go hand in hand with existing laws. Currently, the most vigilantly regulated content includes child abuse, porn, hate speech, and copyright violation.
Moreover, the South African government has banned numerous torrenting websites, as downloading attachments that compromise copyright laws is equal to piracy. Therefore, torrenting in South Africa overall is considered to be somewhat illegal.
Considering it all, online freedom in South Africa is achievable only in one way – by using a robust VPN. VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, have large server fleets with South African servers included. They run advanced security suites and follow strict privacy policies. However, note that the Cybernews team doesn’t support VPN use for illegal activities.
Can I watch South African TV from another country using a VPN?
Yes, you can watch South African TV from another country if you use a VPN. All you have to do is to select a VPN with servers located in South Africa (NordVPN has over 50 servers there), and it will change your actual IP to a South African one. But what streaming content can you expect to unblock with a VPN? Here are some of them:
- Streaming services. Showmax and Showmax Pro (video-on-demand service), South African Netflix library, DStv streaming, SABC+ (service), eVOD (on-demand service).
- TV channels. SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, e.tv, Soweto TV, M-Net Action, Mzansi Magic, Channel O, Mzansi Wethu.
- TV shows. Uzalo (TV series/soap, 2015 - present), Generations: The Legacy (TV series, 2014 - present), Skeem Saam (TV series, 2011 - present), Muvhango (TV series, 1997 - present), Scandal! (TV series, 2005 - present), House of Zwide (TV series, 2021 - present).
- South Africa Netflix content. Kipchoge: The Last Milestone (movie, 2021), Bigman Wahala (movie, 2019), The Tokoloshe (movie, 2018), Lasizwe (reality TV, 2020 - present).
- Sports events. Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Basketball Africa League, SA20 (cricket league).
Can I use a free VPN in South Africa?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in South Africa. However, I don’t recommend doing so for several reasons. First of all, there's little to no chance that a free VPN will have servers in South Africa, as the server fleets of free providers are generally small. This also means that the VPN won’t be able to bypass geo-blocks.
Another factor to consider is safety. Free VPN providers usually offer limited security suites. Additionally, it’s been found that these VPNs tend to collect and sell users’ data to third parties.
So, if you’re looking for a free or budget-friendly VPN option, I recommend choosing my tested and recommended free VPNs like TunnelBear. Or, even better, benefit from premium VPNs’ free trials and 30-day money-back guarantees. This way, you can try out top-notch features of VPNs like NordVPN risk-free.
Final thoughts
Whether you are exploring South Africa, living there, or feeling homesick for this country, employing a VPN is highly recommended. With it, you can change your initial IP address, easily bypass geo-blocks, and hide your online activity from prying eyes.
My top South African VPN is NordVPN. 50+ servers in Johannesburg, unmatchable unblocking capabilities, fast speeds, and a state-of-the-art security suite is all you might need from a South Africa VPN.
FAQ
Are VPNs legal in South Africa?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in South Africa. Nevertheless, they are legal as long as you don’t violate laws. If you’re caught using a VPN to distribute porn, hate speech, content related to child abuse, and such, then you might get a penalty or go to jail.
What is the best VPN to use in South Africa?
NordVPN is the best VPN to use in South Africa. It has over 50 servers located in Johannesburg, and it easily unblocks popular streaming services. Additionally, you get a top-notch selection of features, and the connection speeds remain untouched.
Which VPN has South African servers?
All my listed VPNs have servers in South Africa. This includes NordVPN, Surfshark, Norton VPN, IPVanish, and TunnelBear. Of course, you can find more VPN options, but my selected VPNs excel in security, performance, and can easily bypass geo-blocks.
Does NordVPN support South Africa?
Yes, NordVPN does work in South Africa. You can use it to get a South African IP as well as other foreign IPs, depending on your needs. The selection of 7200+ servers in 118 countries ensures you are protected all around the world.
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