Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia in 2026
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Whether you’re a tourist traveling to Saudi Arabia or a resident traveling abroad, without a VPN, you might face difficulties accessing international content, VoIP services, or financial accounts.
That’s because Saudi Arabia restricts or even blocks VoIP services, including FaceTime and WhatsApp. Also, not all local TV channels are accessible abroad, and some restrictions apply to international content if you’re in the country.
I teamed up with the Cybernews research team and reviewed 41 VPN services to identify those that actually work in Saudi Arabia. Keep on reading to find the 5 best VPNs for Saudi Arabia in 2026 that let you unblock content from other countries or obtain a Saudi Arabian IP if you’re traveling and need to access local services.
Best VPN for Saudi Arabia in 2026 – shortlist
- NordVPN – overall best VPN with Saudi Arabia servers in 2026
- Surfshark – excellent Saudi Arabia VPN with budget-friendly prices
- Proton VPN – Saudi Arabia VPN with exceptional privacy features
- ExpressVPN – Saudi Arabia VPN client with reliable performance
- CyberGhost – reliable VPN for Saudi Arabia
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
How to choose a VPN for a Saudi Arabian IP address
Your Saudi Arabia VPN should be able to bypass geo-restrictions and enhance your online security and privacy. Therefore, I have compiled a detailed list of all the key features to look for in the best VPN, such as the number of servers, encryption, security features, and more. Let’s have a look:
- VPN works in Saudi Arabia. Reliable VPNs bypass local censorship, allowing you to access banned global sites and services from within the country, despite strict internet restrictions.
- Saudi Arabia servers. To access geo-restricted sites in Saudi Arabia, look for a VPN with servers in Saudi Arabia or at least in the neighboring countries. Look for virtual servers, as these are generally more secure in high-risk countries with unfavorable data laws. To access global content from Saudi Arabia, look for a wide server network spanning the globe.
- Security features. Choose a VPN with a kill switch, which prevents data leaks by cutting your connections if it notices a VPN failure. Also, look for strong encryption that will hide your traffic and make it undetectable to governments and ISPs. Additionally, a no-logs policy guarantees that the VPN doesn’t collect, store, or share your sensitive data with others.
- Fast speed. Choose a fast VPN for lag-free streaming, torrenting, or browsing. Look for fast tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard or its modern variations like NordVPN’s NordLynx.
- Ease of use. A VPN should be compatible with various devices, allowing multiple simultaneous connections. Also, make sure it’s easy to use and offers prompt 24/7 customer support.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Using a VPN is legal in Saudi Arabia, although it is subject to strict regulations. The Saudi Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST, formerly CITC) permits VPNs for legitimate purposes, such as business, banking, or privacy protection, provided they do not access prohibited content, including pornography, political dissent sites, or VoIP services, without prior approval. Free or unauthorized VPNs are often blocked, and citizens must register approved tools with authorities.
However, many residents and expats use premium VPNs to circumvent censorship, as enforcement focuses more on content access than the tool itself. No widespread reports exist of arrests solely for using a VPN. However, violating cybercrime laws – such as promoting illegal activities – can result in fines of up to SAR 5 million or imprisonment. Always choose no-logs VPNs with obfuscation to minimize risks.
For travelers or locals, consider using providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, which reliably work despite blocks. Always stay informed by following official CST guidelines to avoid any issues.
How to get a Saudi Arabia IP address
- Pick a reliable Saudi Arabia VPN – I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device
- Log in to your account
- Connect to a Saudi Arabian server
- Access content and other restricted services with your Saudi Arabia IP address
Best VPNs for Saudi Arabia – detailed list
With so many VPN providers on the market, it can be difficult to pick the best one. For this reason, I teamed up with the Cybernews research team and conducted a series of tests. We tested VPNs’ unblocking capabilities, number of Saudi Arabian servers, network size, and security features. Based on these criteria, I compiled a list of the 5 best VPNs for Saudi Arabia.
1. NordVPN – VPN for Saudi Arabia with fast speeds
| Servers in Saudi Arabia: | ❌ No |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for Saudi Arabia. It has a huge global server fleet, next-level security features, and impressive speeds. Due to this, you’ll enjoy a seamless online experience.
Unblocking capabilities. In our tests, NordVPN excelled at sidestepping Saudi geo-blocks, reliably unlocking exclusive streaming services, gaming platforms, and news sites without requiring extras most of the time – though obfuscated servers and Onion over VPN boost evasion and anonymity when needed. Your primary choice should be the speedy NordLynx protocol, but you can also switch to OpenVPN if needed.
Saudi Arabia servers. NordVPN has a vast global server fleet of 9,500+ servers in 149 countries. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have servers in Saudi Arabia, but you can connect to servers in neighboring countries, like the UAE, Jordan, or Egypt, to have an excellent experience. Keep in mind that almost all of its servers are obfuscated and help you bypass global geo-restrictions seamlessly.
Security features. You will get some of the best security features if you go for NordVPN. More precisely, the provider employs AES-256 encryption, a strong kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, port forwarding, split tunneling, and Onion over VPN.
Speed and performance. We tested NordVPN in Saudi Arabia while connected to neighboring countries, and it didn’t have much impact on the speed – sites loaded instantly. I also checked some of the most popular streaming services – there was no buffering, and the video quality was excellent. Our testing showed NordVPN retains a whopping 80% of its original speeds.
Ease of use. NordVPN has native apps for various devices, like PCs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. It’s very quick and easy to download and install NordVPN’s app – it took me less than 2 minutes. The interface is very user-friendly, featuring a Quick Connect option that allows you to connect to the nearest server for optimal performance. It supports 10 simultaneous connections, allowing you to use it on multiple devices at once.
Price and customer support. NordVPN cost starts at an affordable $3.09/month. Besides, NordVPN allows you to test it before committing long-term with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, 24/7 live customer support is available to promptly solve any issues you may encounter.
2. Surfshark – best VPN to get Saudi Arabia IP address
| Servers in Saudi Arabia: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for Saudi Arabia because of its numerous servers, including virtual ones in Saudi Arabia, robust security measures, amazing speeds, and impressive budget-friendly prices. Use the Surfshark discount code "OFFCN" for extra savings.
Unblocking capabilities. In testing, Surfshark VPN seamlessly unblocked international films, shows, news articles, and social sites. Ensure you enable NoBorders or Camouflage modes for improved odds on locked content, or utilize MultiHop for added security (at a speed cost).
Saudi Arabia servers. Surfshark offers virtual Saudi Arabia servers in Riyadh, from its global server fleet of 4,500+ servers across 100 countries. This allows you to get a Saudi Arabian IP address to access Saudi Arabian content from anywhere, as well as avoid online censorship and enhance your security while in the country.
Security features. Surfshark comes with some incredible security features, such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, obfuscated servers (Camouflage mode), split tunneling, and robust VPN protocols, including WireGuard. Therefore, you’ll be safe from third-party monitoring and cyberattacks.
Speed and performance. Regarding speeds, it is one of the fastest providers on the market. We have tested Surfshark, and it showed superb speeds with reliable performance – sites loaded instantly, and when I tried to stream Netflix, there was no buffering whatsoever. Our tests revealed an 81% retention rate of baseline speed, which is an excellent result.
Ease of use. Both mobile and desktop apps are very easy to use. I liked that the interface is very intuitive and straightforward. It was very easy to connect to a Saudi Arabian server and took only a couple of seconds. Besides, Surfshark gives unlimited simultaneous connections and allows sharing the account with friends and family.
Price and customer support. Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month, and you can also take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee that Surfshark offers. You can also contact its knowledgeable 24/7 customer support for any issue that comes up.
3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused Saudi Arabia VPN
| Servers in Saudi Arabia: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN |
Proton VPN is a great Saudi Arabia VPN for privacy-focused users. It’s fully open-source, based in Switzerland, and backed by consecutive annual independent audits. It also spans over 20,300 servers in 148 countries, making it the largest server fleet on my list.
Unblocking capabilities. During testing, Proton VPN unblocked major streaming platforms and libraries, restricted social networks, and blocked news sites. Its Stealth protocol hides your VPN traffic, helping you securely bypass internet blocks.
Saudi Arabia servers. Proton VPN has a massive 20,300+ server fleet in 148 countries, with 20+ servers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All Saudi Arabia servers include the NetShield ad blocker, up to 10Gbps connectivity, and P2P support.
Security features. Proton VPN uses advanced security features, including a proprietary Stealth protocol that hides your VPN traffic, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Tor over VPN, and undergoes regular independent security audits.
Speed and performance. We tested Proton VPN to see how well it maintains speed and assess its overall performance. It retained a solid 78% of the original speeds, allowing me to stream without any drops in video resolution.
Ease of use. Proton VPN is a beginner-friendly VPN. I found both the setup and server selection simple. What also makes Proton VPN user-friendly is its consistent design across apps and a modern interface. While newcomers won’t have difficulties navigating the interface, it doesn’t restrict customization options for advanced users.
Price and customer support. You can get a Proton VPN starting at $2.99/month. Additionally, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its 2-year plan. However, if you run into issues, Proton VPN doesn’t offer a 24/7 live chat, which can be inconvenient if you need support outside business hours.
4. ExpressVPN – VPN provider for Saudi Arabia with decent performance
| Servers in Saudi Arabia: | ❌ No |
| Money-back guarantee: | 30 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Now up to 78% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is a solid Saudi Arabia VPN that can unblock your favorite global content in the blink of an eye. It has servers across 105 countries and offers next-level security, which is essential in high-risk countries like Saudi Arabia.
Unblocking capabilities. In our tests, ExpressVPN did well at overcoming Saudi geo-blocks, effortlessly accessing global streaming services, censored news, and social platforms with consistent reliability. Its advanced Lightway protocol and stealth servers ensure smooth evasion of restrictions, often without manual adjustments, making it a go-to for hassle-free international content.
Saudi Arabia servers. Although it doesn’t offer servers in Saudi Arabia, ExpressVPN comes with many servers in 105 countries, which allow you to unblock worldwide content by connecting to any server you want. But if you need to get a Saudi Arabia IP address, then it's better to choose Surfshark.
Security features. ExpressVPN implements strong security practices, like split tunneling, AES-256 encryption, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy.
Speeds and performance. We tested ExpressVPN on some of the most popular streaming sites, including Netflix and Hulu, and it performed great, with no lagging. Its most recent speed test results still showed reliable performance, although it retained only 61% of baseline speeds.
Ease of use. Similar to other VPNs on my list, the ExpressVPN interface is easy to use and fairly consistent. It has native apps for devices like tablets, PCs, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. Downloading and installing the apps was quick and easy, and I liked the option to change settings to suit my personal needs. Additionally, you will benefit from its 14 simultaneous connections.
Price and customer support. Starting at $2.79/month, ExpressVPN is a slightly more expensive provider. However, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied with its performance and offers 24/7 customer support.
5. CyberGhost – VPN with servers tailored for Saudi Arabia
| Servers in Saudi Arabia: | ✅ Yes |
| Money-back guarantee: | 45 days |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 87% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is another reliable VPN option for a Saudi Arabian IP address. Although it no longer discloses its exact server count, it offers excellent security features and decent speeds.
Unblocking capabilities. In testing, CyberGhost adeptly navigated Saudi restrictions, unlocking international streaming libraries, blocked news sites, and social networks with ease. Its NoSpy servers and optimized streaming profiles deliver reliable bypasses, minimizing the need for tweaks even on heavily censored content.
Saudi Arabia servers. CyberGhost has servers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and many servers across 100 countries in total. The Saudi Arabia servers are all virtual, which is great for online security in high-risk countries with strong online censorship.
Security features. In terms of security, you will benefit from CyberGhost’s unique NoSpy servers, split tunneling, an audited no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and a functional kill switch.
Speeds and performance. CyberGhost comes with good speeds and stable performance. Our in-depth testing revealed it retains 78% of the original speeds, which is a slight drop compared to its previous speed test result of 91%. When we tested CyberGhost’s Saudi Arabia servers, the browsing experience was no different from a normal connection, loading sites in no time.
Ease of use. You can utilize CyberGhost on your phone, PC, tablet, laptop, and gaming console due to its dedicated apps. The apps took minutes to download and install, and they are very easy to use, even for beginners. You can also take advantage of 7 simultaneous connections and use the same account on multiple devices at once.
Price and customer support. You can get a CyberGhost subscription for $1.75/month. CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and reliable customer support that can help you with any issue 24/7.
Best Saudi Arabia VPN comparison
| Brand | Rating | Saudi Arabia servers | Obfuscated servers | Encryption | Protocols | Based in |
| NordVPN |
❌
No | ✅ Yes | AES-256-CBC and ChaCha20 | NordLynx and OpenVPN | Panama | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 | The Netherlands | |
| Proton VPN |
✅ Yes
| ❌ No | AES-256 and ChaCha20 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 | Switzerland | |
| ExpressVPN |
❌ No
| ✅ Yes | AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 | Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 | British Virgin Islands | |
| CyberGhost |
✅ Yes
| ❌ No | AES-256-CBC and ChaCha20 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 | Romania |
Why do you need a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
The most important reasons to use a VPN in Saudi Arabia are the need to avoid rigid online censorship and bypass geo-restrictions, among other factors.
Saudi Arabia imposes strict online censorship, blocking calling services on apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime, and limiting free speech. You need a VPN that has strong encryption and other security features, which will encrypt your traffic and let you change your virtual location, keeping your connection private and secure.
What’s more, a Saudi Arabia VPN with numerous global servers enables you to unblock worldwide content from Saudi Arabia. And the other way round – you can access Saudi Arabian content when abroad if you connect to a server located in Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi Arabia VPN with robust security practices also helps prevent IP leaks, making sure ISPs, governments, and hackers can’t track your online activities. In addition, Saudi Arabia has strict copyright laws. Therefore, for torrenting, it is best to use a reliable VPN, which hides your online activities.
Saudi Arabia faces different forms of censorship, including the suppression of newspapers, books, magazines, movies, TV channels, and other content published on the internet. According to Freedom House, Saudi Arabia has an index of 25 out of 100 in terms of internet freedom. Internet users face severe censorship and surveillance in Saudi Arabia. You can’t use VoIP services on apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp.
Authorities keep cracking down on political and religious speech. The government monitors the media and restricts it if it thinks there is something unlawful. All changes in the media sector must be approved by the government.
Also, daily newspapers must align with the Saudi Press Agency regulations (under the overarching CST) when covering controversial topics. In some cases, journalists who criticized the government or religion were sentenced to many years in prison or even death. For example, a man was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for his activities on X and YouTube.
Saudi Arabia has copyright laws in place, which protect the creators and give them the ability to seek damages and compensation for infringement of their rights. Torrenting copyrighted material is naturally unlawful and could get users in trouble with authorities. However, it’s also important to mention that some Reddit users state that no one was sentenced or even received a fine for copyright infringement.
Saudi Arabia content you can watch with a VPN
State-run Saudi Arabia television has only six channels: al-Saudiya (previously known as Saudi TV1), SBC Channel, al-Ekhbariya Channel, Saudi Sports Channels, Quran Channel, and Sunnah Channel. Local Saudi Arabian IPTV services include channels like Al Khalij, Alaraby 2, PMC Royale, Rotana Classic, Rotana Comedy, Rotana Drama, Sydat Elshasha, and more.
Also, Saudi Arabia has popular streaming services available, including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Twitch, NBA Game Pass, and other sports channels. Netflix has more than 6000 titles in the Saudi Arabian library. Some titles include Rick and Morty, Friends, Peaky Blinders, Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and many more widely watched TV shows and movies.
Can I use a free VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in Saudi Arabia. However, I don’t recommend this. Saudi Arabia has strict laws, penalties, and online censorship. Therefore, a free provider may not be sufficient to hide your activities and keep you safe and away from government and ISP tracking. Also, free VPN clients often come with poor unblocking capabilities and don’t bypass all geo-blocks.
Instead, use a premium VPN for Saudi Arabia that has a money-back guarantee or a free trial. By doing this, you will be able to access your favorite content and enjoy excellent online security and privacy from anywhere. Here are the providers I recommend checking:
- NordVPN has a money-back guarantee of 30 days and gives a 3-day free trial for Android devices
- Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS users and gives a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans
Final thoughts
A strong, secure VPN can be useful for Saudi Arabian residents traveling abroad and for those visiting Saudi Arabia. Citizens may need to access online financial institutions or news portals that are geo-restricted outside of the country. Meanwhile, people in Saudi Arabia may want to access apps or global content that is blocked in the country.
NordVPN is the best option because of its high-end security features, strong unblocking capabilities, and fast speeds. As a result, you can enjoy a seamless online experience and hide your online activity from prying eyes.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can use a VPN in Saudi Arabia, as long as you choose a reliable one, like NordVPN or Surfshark. Although many VPN websites are blocked in the country, using a VPN itself is not against the law.
What’s the best VPN for Saudi Arabia?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Saudi Arabia. It has 9,500+ servers in 149 countries, giving you access to worldwide content safely and without censorship.
Is a VPN legal in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a VPN is legal in Saudi Arabia. However, if you use it for unlawful purposes, you may encounter VPN blocks or even penalties.
Is NordVPN illegal in Saudi Arabia?
No, NordVPN is not illegal in Saudi Arabia, although the government is actively blocking the service. It’s best to use obfuscated servers to keep your VPN usage hidden.
Which VPN is best for WhatsApp calling in Saudi Arabia?
NordVPN is the best VPN for WhatsApp calling. It has servers in nearby countries, ensuring fast speeds for calls without lagging. Also, it uses advanced encryption, keeping your calls private.