The best Saudi Arabia VPN in 2025

Security is the biggest selling point. NordVPN combines AES-256 encryption, Double VPN servers, and a strict no-logs policy with continuous third-party verification.

Its most recent independent assessment, carried out by West Coast Labs in March 2025, confirmed that NordVPN is leak-proof, fast to connect (just 1.67 seconds on average), and has minimal impact on system performance. For users in Saudi Arabia, where privacy is constantly under pressure, that external seal of approval might be vital.

Another highlight is Threat Protection Pro, which helps guard against malware, phishing, and intrusive ads. Certified by AV-Comparatives in 2024, it blocked 87% of phishing sites in our OpenPhish-based tests, almost on par with Bitdefender (89%) and well ahead of Surfshark (34%) or ExpressVPN (0%). This feature is now included with the Plus plan and above, while the Basic plan still provides lighter DNS filtering.

NordVPN installs cleanly on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and we found setup to be quick. The apps feel polished and stable, with clear country lists and a helpful map interface. In daily use, connections were reliable: when a link dropped, the app displayed instant notifications, something Proton VPN doesn't match.

NordVPN is arguably the best VPN for streaming. It consistently accessed platforms such as Netflix US and UK, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Australia's 9Now and 10 Play.

For users in Saudi Arabia, where the local Netflix catalog is limited, this reliability means fewer connection retries and smoother access to wider international libraries.

Speeds were equally impressive. With WireGuard-based connections, NordVPN delivered over 950 Mbps, enabling smooth 4K playback without buffering. ExpressVPN wasn't far behind at 898 Mbps, but NordVPN's extra headroom provided more stability when streaming on multiple devices.

Despite its extensive coverage across 118 countries, NordVPN does not currently operate a server in Saudi Arabia. This means that travelers abroad may find it harder to access regional platforms.

However, its nearby servers in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, and Iraq proved valuable in our tests, delivering strong speeds and lower latency across the Middle East.

NordVPN also runs P2P-supported servers in India and Bangladesh, which could be a welcome option for the roughly 5 million residents from those countries living in Saudi Arabia who want reliable access to their home content.

Despite its low price, Surfshark doesn't compromise on security, and users in Saudi Arabia still get access to a wide range of protective tools.

Features like No Borders, which automatically connects you to the best-performing servers when restrictions are detected, make it easier to stay online under network limitations.

Then, there's Camouflage Mode, which further disguises your VPN traffic as normal browsing, helping reduce the risk of detection. This is something ExpressVPN doesn't automate, and Proton VPN handles less smoothly in our experience.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark has undergone independent audits of its no-logs policy. The latest, carried out by Deloitte on June 15, 2025, confirmed that Surfshark does not monitor or retain user activity. This follows earlier examinations by Cure53, reinforcing its commitment to transparency.

One limitation worth flagging is the kill switch on Windows, which we managed to break during stress testing. It's unlikely to affect everyday users, but if absolute leak protection is your priority, NordVPN's implementation is stronger.

Surfshark offers apps for every major platform, plus extras like Apple TV support and QR logins for secondary devices. The interface packs in a lot, and while it's not as minimalist as ExpressVPN, beginners won't struggle.

Unlimited connections are another win. Where NordVPN caps usage at 10 devices, Surfshark lets you cover every gadget in the house with one account. This can be pretty useful if you use multiple phones, laptops, and smart TVs, and want to protect all your devices.

Surfshark's network is a little smaller than NordVPN's, with servers in 100 countries across 140 locations. That may sound like a drawback, but it actually holds a unique advantage: the inclusion of a Saudi Arabia server.

If you're abroad and want to stream local services like Shahid VIP or MBC, or catch up on shows such as Kalam Nawaem, Arab Idol, or Sada Al Malaeb, Surfshark gives you the option to do so.

Also, in our standardized streaming tests, Surfshark unblocked major Netflix libraries, plus Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, and 10 Play, and it did so on the very first attempt every time.

ExpressVPN places security at the center of its service. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is designed with obfuscation by default, making it harder to detect VPN use on restrictive networks, a useful feature in Saudi Arabia. Lightway also includes post-quantum encryption, offering protection against "store now, decrypt later" attacks.

The company's TrustedServer technology ensures all servers run in RAM only, wiping data with every reboot. Combined with AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and an ultra-reliable kill switch, the setup provides one of the safest foundations in the industry, making Express one of the most secure VPN providers we tested.

Its no-logs policy has been independently verified 23 times, most recently by KPMG, reaffirming its privacy claims.

ExpressVPN is arguably the easiest VPN to use on a day-to-day basis. Setup is straightforward, with apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux (now with a GUI), routers, and even game consoles.

On desktop, one-click connect from the home screen gets you online instantly, while the mobile apps add thoughtful touches like customizable shortcuts to favorite apps after connecting.

The only quirk worth noting is the login process, which requires an activation code from your ExpressVPN dashboard instead of a simple email/password combination. It's a small extra step, but once done, the experience is seamless.

ExpressVPN performed well in our streaming tests, reliably accessing Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Australia), Disney+, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and 10Play.

On a few occasions, we had to switch servers to find one that worked, something NordVPN and Surfshark handled more smoothly. But once connected, playback was stable and 4K streams ran without buffering.

For Saudi Arabia users, ExpressVPN's network has a drawback: like NordVPN, it doesn't currently operate a dedicated Saudi server, and coverage in the Middle East is weaker than average, with only four locations. That means travelers abroad may struggle to access local platforms, such as Shahid VIP or MBC. Still, its broader global coverage makes it one of the best options for unlocking international content libraries.

Although Proton’s free tier often draws the most attention, privacy has always been its hallmark, and its latest innovations underscore that.

In August 2025, Proton launched Emergency Access, which lets you designate up to five trusted contacts to access your account in the event of an emergency.

This works across Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and Proton Drive, offering an extra safety net without undermining end-to-end encryption. It's a thoughtful addition for Saudi users managing sensitive accounts where recovery options matter.

Proton has also been busy proving its privacy claims through external verification. Most recently, in July 2025, it completed a SOC2 Type II audit by Schellman, following an ISO 27001 certification in 2024 and a no-logs policy audit by Securitum that same year. These audits highlight that Proton backs up its security claims with regular independent checks, putting it in a small group of providers willing to face that level of scrutiny.

Proton VPN's apps are easy enough to install and navigate, with a distinctive map interface that appeals to more visual users.

Features like Secure Core (which routes traffic through hardened servers in countries such as Switzerland or Iceland) and Stealth protocol (to disguise VPN traffic as normal HTTPS) are powerful tools for bypassing censorship. However, they can feel more advanced than NordVPN's or ExpressVPN's one-click setups.

Like its main contenders, Proton VPN handled streaming impressively in our tests, reliably accessing platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without repeated retries.

The provider now operates four servers in Riyadh with NetShield, 10 Gbps capacity, and P2P support. However, these are only available to paying subscribers as the free plan is limited to servers in the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland.

On performance, Proton matched NordVPN and Surfshark with speeds over 950 Mbps on WireGuard, comfortably ahead of ExpressVPN (898 Mbps) and PIA (436 Mbps).

This translated into smooth 4K playback and stable long sessions with no buffering, making Proton a strong pick for both international catalogs and staying connected to Saudi platforms while abroad.

PIA doesn't have a lot of extra tools, like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but the fundamentals are all here and executed well.

You get AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill switch across apps. Advanced features include port forwarding for torrenting, Shadowsocks obfuscation, and the MACE ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

PIA backs up its strict no-logs claims with independent verification. Deloitte has audited its systems twice, most recently in April 2024, confirming that no identifiable user data is collected or stored. PIA also publishes regular transparency reports and has proven its stance in court by having no data to hand over when compelled.

This, combined with fully open-source apps, makes it one of the most transparent providers on the market.

Installing PIA is straightforward, and the apps include a clean, quick-connect button for instant protection. But the real strength lies in its deep customization. You can toggle encryption settings, set automation rules for different networks, or drill into detailed session stats and performance graphs.

While power users will love this flexibility, newcomers may find it intimidating. The compact desktop interface can feel cramped, and some features aren't explained clearly within the app. For a smoother, beginner-friendly experience, ExpressVPN or NordVPN could be better options.

Despite being a budget VPN, PIA performed better than expected in our streaming tests. It consistently unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and regional platforms like ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, and 10 Play. Dedicated streaming servers make it easy to get connected, and playback was smooth once running.

Using WireGuard, PIA averaged 436 Mbps in our tests, the slowest of our top picks. While this is more than enough for casual 4K streaming, heavy users may notice a difference compared to NordVPN and Surfshark's results, which exceed 950 Mbps.

That reach extends to Saudi Arabia itself, where PIA operates local servers with support for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. This allows travelers abroad to reconnect to home services or access local gaming lobbies with ease.

However, while PIA delivers well on Saudi coverage, its footprint across the wider Middle East is thinner than that of NordVPN or ProtonVPN currently provides, limiting regional variety.