Best VPNs for the Middle East: 7 VPNs that work in 2023

A VPN will be helpful for any users aiming to improve privacy and access blocked content in the Middle East. Here’s everything you need to know about the best VPNs for the Middle East.

The Middle East is a popular destination for Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage, given the many restrictions you’ll find in countries dotted around the region. Anyone from your employer to your ISP might be keeping tabs on what you’re up to, while vast swathes of the internet are blocked in some Middle Eastern countries. 

A VPN is especially useful if you’re aiming to improve online privacy, as it masks all of the traffic that is sent to and from your device at any given time. As well as encrypting your data, it assigns the user with a temporary IP address that makes it appear as though you’re actually in another country. This temporary IP address allows the user to access blocked sites and services, including online banking apps and popular streaming platforms.  

Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have gone so far as to block traffic from many VPNs, but there are a number of services that continue to work well as of 2023. If you don’t have time to read through the entire review, we’ve put together a quick summary with our top picks.

Here are the best VPNs for the Middle East:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for the Middle East. Unique features like Meshnet and NordLynx, affordable deals, streaming access, Tor over VPN, obfuscation, fast speeds, and an audited no-logs policy. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for the Middle East. Servers in 100+ countries, unlimited device connections, streaming support, speedy WireGuard connections, and watertight security features. 
3. ExpressVPN: RAM-only servers in 105+ countries, ideal for bypassing geo-restrictions in a vast number of locations. Lightway protocol and reliable speeds. 
4. Proton VPN: Advanced provider that is packed with features, free server locations, audited no-logs policy, streaming access, port forwarding, and more. 
5. Private Internet Access: No-logs policy, unlimited bandwidth, and features include split tunneling, ad-blocking, and malware protection.
6. PrivateVPN: Secure servers, no device limits, Middle Eastern locations, solid no-logs policy, and reliable AES encryption.
7. IVPN: Various features aiming to improve online privacy, a transparent business model, and an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for the Middle East, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. We’ve narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for the Middle East:

• Servers in multiple countries in the Middle East are ideal in this instance. 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user can perform any online task. 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for the Middle East, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The best VPNs for the Middle East

Here, we take a look at the best VPNs in the business for the Middle East in a little more detail.

NordVPN is our top pick for users in the Middle East. You’ll find multiple servers located in the UAE, Israel, and Turkey, so there’s good coverage within the region itself. You’ll also find high-speed servers in countries like the US, the UK, and many more. 

Average speeds work out to roughly 200 Mbps, so it’s quick enough for streaming, gaming, or accessing social media safely. It works with everything from US Netflix to BBC iPlayer, so it’s great if you’d like to access your favorite streaming platforms from abroad. 

NordVPN has tons of features that help to set it apart from the competition, including a proprietary protocol (NordLynx), and in-built Smart DNS (SmartPlay). Its UAE servers are obfuscated, and it offers Onion over VPN, which will help to improve user privacy. Double VPN is Nord’s version of MultiHop, while Meshnet is a private tunnel feature that is available without paying for a subscription. 

The provider has been independently audited on multiple occasions, most recently tasking Deloitte with verifying its no-logs claims. 

You’ll find NordVPN apps available for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It allows for a total of six simultaneous device connections, which should be more than enough for the average user. Even so, some alternatives like Surfshark do offer unlimited device connections. 

THE BEST VPN FOR THE MIDDLE EAST: NordVPN is a capable Panama-based provider with secure servers found on every continent. Fast speeds, unique features like Meshnet, audited no-logs policy, streaming access, Onion over VPN, and much more. Comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is our top budget VPN for users in the Middle East and has RAM-only servers found in 100+ countries worldwide. In terms of Middle Eastern coverage, there are locations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Egypt. 

Surfshark offers a ton of streaming support, making it easy to access a vast selection of blocked sites and services from abroad. The same goes for social media, while average speeds work out to roughly 190 Mbps.

One of the best perks is the ability to connect with as many devices as you like at the same time. It makes it easy to share a Surfshark account with friends and family, while you’ll find capable apps and support for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and Amazon Fire devices.

It’s headquartered in the Netherlands, with notable features including obfuscation, a kill switch, and 24/7 live chat. Surfshark measures up to more expensive options in most respects, and it includes an independently audited no-logs policy. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR THE MIDDLE EAST: Surfshark has thousands of servers in 100+ countries, including coverage in the Middle East. Streaming access, affordable subscriptions, obfuscation, and unlimited device connections. Standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has servers in a total of 105+ countries and is a great pick for any users in the Middle East or elsewhere. MENA locations include Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon, and speeds are reliable (175 Mbps) no matter where you’d like to connect to. 

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is capable of accessing almost any blocked site or service you can think of. This includes 24+ Netflix libraries, which gives some indication as to how well it works with international streaming services.

You’ll be protected by a number of notable features, whether it’s split tunneling, obfuscation, or Smart DNS. It comes with a sturdy kill switch, while apps and infrastructure have been audited independently. The apps themselves are especially beginner-friendly, so it’s easy to get started with ExpressVPN if you have no prior experience.

Along with apps for all popular devices, you’ll find custom router firmware that makes it easy to connect with anything from smart TVs to games consoles. The custom Lightway protocol also helps to see improved speeds while connected.

RELIABLE MIDDLE EAST VPN: ExpressVPN is a major player within the industry, and has a heap of reliable servers in the Middle East and beyond. Audited apps and infrastructure, locations available in 105+ countries, Lightway, and unparalleled access to blocked sites and services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has locations found in the UAE and Israel, and it works out to be one of the best options if you’re solely interested in improving online privacy. There are over 3,100 Proton VPN servers altogether, found in 68+ countries. 

It’s slightly more expensive than the average provider, but it’s packed with advanced features such as port forwarding, while Secure Core servers route user data through privacy-friendly countries like Iceland and Switzerland.

Proton has a trio of free server locations which benefit from its audited no-logs policy. This means that you’ll be able to get an IP address from either Japan, the Netherlands, or the United States. Unfortunately, free locations don’t allow for streaming support, and you won’t get access to the fastest speeds (320 Mbps).

Premium Proton VPN servers offer streaming access, as well as P2P support, Tor over VPN, and the ability to block ads, trackers, and malware (NetShield). There are apps for all major devices, and it comes with an audited no-logs policy. 

ADVANCED MIDDLE EAST VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced solution for users in the Middle East or elsewhere. Lots of advanced features, Secure Core servers, audited no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. There are locations in 91+ countries and the service itself is based in the US.

This might be off-putting for some users in the Middle East and elsewhere given its proximity to the NSA, but it is worth noting that PIA comes with a strict no-logs policy, which has been proven in court. 

You’ll find a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, ad-blocking, and malware protection. It comes with dedicated port forwarding servers, as well as MultiHop, WireGuard support, and access to services like Netflix US. To that end, PIA has speedy servers, working well for tasks like streaming and torrenting. 

With a strong selection of PIA apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV, and the ability to connect with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, it’s another viable option for users in the Middle East and elsewhere. 

AFFORDABLE MIDDLE EAST VPN: Private Internet Access has lots of Middle Eastern locations to choose from and offers streaming support, ad-blocking, and much more at an affordable price. Unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN has Middle Eastern servers in Israel and the UAE, with further locations found in a total of 63+ countries. It doesn’t have the most servers to pick from (200+), but it’s still a worthwhile solution if you’re aiming for improved online privacy. 

It’s also a great pick for streaming, working with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, iPlayer, and HBO Max from abroad. 

WireGuard connections make it a great solution for any intensive tasks, while features include a kill switch, port forwarding, and obfuscation (Stealth VPN). The latter is ideal for avoiding online censorship in more restrictive regions within the Middle East. 

A selection of apps can be found for Windows, macOS, Android, Kodi, and iOS. These are complemented by further support for routers, although it doesn’t come with any browser extensions. A single PrivateVPN account can be used with up to 10 devices. 

SECURE MIDDLE EAST VPN: PrivateVPN is another solid provider for the Middle East. Affordable deals, WireGuard connections, live chat support, streaming access, and secure apps for all devices. No device limits and Stealth VPN is ideal for more restrictive regions. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

IVPN is another capable provider with a strong emphasis on anonymity. If you can overlook a lack of support for popular services like US Netflix, it’s hard to think of many downsides if you’re aiming to improve online privacy. In terms of locations in the Middle East, it has servers in Israel, alongside coverage in countries like the US, Australia, and the UK. 

You’ll be able to sign up without handing over an email address, and it uses a pre-paid system to avoid holding onto your payment information. The provider makes good use of WireGuard, ensuring better security and faster speeds whilst using the protocol.

IVPN is great if you’re connecting to a server via a more restrictive region. For example, features include automatic WiFi protection, split tunneling, obfuscation, and IP address rotation. 

You’ll find open-source apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and you’ll be able to connect with up to seven devices at the same time. 

ANONYMOUS MIDDLE EAST VPN: IVPN is a transparent service that will take care of your personal data while connected. Obfsproxy, annual audits, and no email address is required. Simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for the Middle East 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for the Middle East:

• Servers: Servers in the Middle East are necessary if you’d like to access local sites securely with a VPN. As well as Middle Eastern locations, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network. This helps if you’d like to access services in other countries too. 
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Each of the providers listed above will be able to get the job done with no lag or buffering.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN in the Middle East

It doesn’t take long to get started if you want to set up a provider to work in the Middle East. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the necessary steps. 

Here’s how to set up a Middle East VPN:

1. Select a VPN provider with servers in the country you want to connect with. NordVPN is our top pick for the Middle East. Sign up, and make a note of your login details. 
2. Download the VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the app, and sign in. 
4. Select a VPN server, and wait to be connected. 
5. You’ll now be able to access a variety of geo-restricted platforms.
6. For safety purposes, we’d advise you to turn on the kill switch. 

That’s all it takes to get started, and you’ll now be able to access a long list of blocked sites and services while abroad. Your data will also be encrypted in the process. 

VPNs for the Middle East: FAQs 

Can I use a free VPN in the Middle East?

It’s always going to be tempting to opt for a free VPN that promises the world, but the vast majority tend to be left wanting from a privacy perspective. It’s not unheard of for free providers to sell user data on to third parties, which is a major issue in terms of security. Other free VPNs lack basic encryption and will be leaking your data in the background.

Performance is also far worse than you’ll find with premium solutions, whether it’s due to overloaded servers or capped bandwidth. 

Are VPNs legal in the Middle East?

Laws surrounding VPNs differ dramatically depending on where you are in the Middle East. For example, users in Oman will have to conform to stricter rules than users in the UAE. In any case, make sure to find out about the local laws in your country before downloading a VPN to your device. 

Why do some VPNs not work in the Middle East?

The Middle East is spotty in terms of VPN coverage. In fact, some providers forgo offering servers in the region entirely, given providers are heavily restricted in countries such as Iran and Iraq. Some Middle Eastern governments regularly restrict access to certain types of online content, whether it’s adult sites or VPN services. 

Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?

A VPN always has the potential to slow down connection speeds, especially if you’re connecting to a faraway server. This can be exacerbated while using specialty servers, or if you’re using features like obfuscation or MultiHop. Premium providers tend to be fast enough to ensure a minimal loss in speed while connected. 

Can I watch Middle Eastern TV abroad with a VPN?

Yes, you’ll be able to watch lots of blocked TV platforms from abroad with a VPN. This includes services in the Middle East, as well as popular international platforms like Hulu and BBC iPlayer. However, only some providers are able to offer reliable streaming access from abroad.