Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Syria is a proven method to help keep your online activity private and more anonymous. VPN software encrypts all internet traffic going to and from your device and lets you access websites and apps that might otherwise be out of reach due to state-mandated restrictions. It’s also a hardy choice to regain access to streaming media services such as US Netflix. As such, this article will discuss the reasons why folks in Syria should use a VPN and the best ones for this purpose.

We’ll go into more detail for each of these below, but if you’re in a rush, here are our top five VPNs for Syria:

  • ExpressVPN: Easy to use, able to unblock a variety of streaming services, and has high-speed servers.
  • NordVPN: A great budget option with an expansive network and strong unblocking capabilities.
  • CyberGhost: Inexpensive yet versatile VPN offering good value for money.
  • IPVanish: Reliable service that you can use simultaneously on any number of devices.
  • PrivateVPN: Very fast with a small network of servers

A VPN routes all the web traffic flowing to and from your device via an intermediary server. This makes host websites and apps think you’re in a different location and opens up libraries of content that might otherwise be inaccessible. The encryption aspect keeps government and surveillance agencies at an arm’s length.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide ExpressVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your ExpressVPN trial here.

We’ve evaluated providers on the following standards before mentioning them on our list of the best VPNs for Syria:

  • Has a wide network of servers across the world
  • Unblocks geo-restricted streaming services with ease
  • Offers a fast and reliable service
  • Uses strong encryption parameters to guard your location
  • Allows for multiple simultaneous connections
  • Provides excellent customer support

Best VPNs for Syria – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with ExpressVPN – our #1 choice for Syria.

Best VPNs for Syria

1. ExpressVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN comes equipped with top-notch encryption standards, incorporates fast speeds, and offers a server network that traverses the globe.

This provider gives you options of more than 3,000 servers around the world. It can securely access a variety of services, including US Netflix, Skype, Facebook, and more. Live customer support is available around the clock in case you run into any problems.

This is one of the toughest providers out there from a security and encryption standpoint. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, plus a proprietary Lightway protocol. Also included is a built-in internet kill switch, which it refers to as a ‘network lock,’ along with DNS leak protection, so your information always remains within the VPN encrypted tunnel. ExpressVPN doesn’t store any detailed user logs, such as IP addresses.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. A single subscription allows for five simultaneous connections.

BEST VPN FOR SYRIA:ExpressVPN is our #1 choice. Fast speeds, strong security and excellent customer service. The deal includes a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk free.

Pros:

  • High-speed connections
  • Strong security features
  • Anonymous registration possible
  • Great for streaming

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

2. NordVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

NordVPN is known for a privacy-focused reputation. Its network of more than 5,000 servers spans 60 countries and has plenty of options all over the world.

NordVPN does not store any user data and there are no exceptions to this rule. Its servers were confiscated on a couple of occasions but no incriminatory evidence was found. Security protocols include 256-bit encryption, the fast and secure NordLynx protocol, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect concurrently.

BUDGET OPTION:NordVPN is a low cost option, combining fast speeds, numerous security features, and exceptional unblocking capability. Includes 30 day money back guarantee.

  • Excellent unblocking ability

  • Very fast

  • Expansive server network

  • No-logs policy

  • Desktop app takes a while to connect

Read our review of NordVPN.

3. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has upped its game in recent months. This provider delivers a robust product at affordable prices and offers a little over 9,000 servers spread across 90+ countries.

This provider’s unblocking capabilities are extremely impressive. The server lists are separated by task, so finding one suitable for streaming, torrenting, or maximum privacy is quick and easy. CyberGhost offers 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Additional security features are an ad blocker and anti-malware defense.

This provider doesn’t store any user data, including IP addresses or similar data points that could identify individual users. Its registration in Romania means it’s also safely out of the reach of any data retention laws.

You can access the service on Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, or MacOS. A single subscription allows for seven devices to connect concurrently.

FAST SPEEDS:CyberGhost is secure, fast and inexpensive. It’s very easy to use, even if you’re not very tech savvy. 45-day money back guarantee included.

  • Fast enough for HD streaming

  • 7 connections permitted

  • Easy for beginners to use

  • One-click unblocking built-in

  • Few options for advanced users

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

4. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is an excellent choice when it comes to both speed and privacy. It’s a rarity in the VPN world in the sense that it independently operates its entire network of servers – most services either outsource or rent space. This gives it firm control over all user traffic. At the time of writing, it has 1,900 servers in over 60 countries.

Uncrackable encryption protocols are par for the course. Web traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch. IPVanish is similar to NordVPN in the sense that it doesn’t store any user data, meaning there’s no retention of traffic or connection logs.

This provider is a known favorite with torrenters and Kodi users for a few reasons. Firstly, it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The second factor that attracts them is the fact that the interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that usually lack a keyboard and mouse.

This provider allows all of your devices to connect at the same time, which is impressive given the industry standard of five. Another valuable upgrade is its addition of 24/7 live chat for customer support. It offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.

PROTECT YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish has high speeds and a few unique security features, making it ideal for those who often use multiple devices to access the internet frequently. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • High speeds

  • No connection limit

  • Apps for a wide range of systems

  • 24/7 live chat available

  • Struggles with some streaming platforms

Read our full review of IPVanish.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has quickly endeared itself to VPN enthusiasts, despite being relatively new to the industry. It delivers fast speeds with solid encryption protocols to back that up.

Strong security and privacy features are also built in. In fact, PrivateVPN is now its own ISP, reducing the risk of third-party interference significantly. Users can opt for either 128- or 256-bit encryption depending on the chosen protocol and are also offered perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. A basic plan allows for 10 devices to connect at the same time.

The provider offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

FAST STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast and reliable. Strong unblocking ability and privacy tools Full 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Faster than most similar VPNs

  • Able to unblock stubborn streaming services

  • Anonymous sign up available

  • Keeps no logs

  • Fewer servers than its rivals

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

Tips for using a VPN in Syria

  • Follow these steps to obtain a foreign IP address while currently in Syria:The first thing you should decide on is a provider that meets your requirements. We encourage you to base your decision on both the mini-reviews as well as the detailed user reviews referenced at the end of each one.
  • Once you’ve made up your mind, simply sign up with your credit card information. Some providers also accept PayPal, Bitcoin, and other payment methods.
  • Download the relevant apps for your device directly from the provider’s site.
  • Restart all devices once installation is complete.
  • Open your VPN app and use it to connect to a server of your choice.
  • Congratulations; your internet activity is private and secure.

Should I use a free VPN in Syria?

As mentioned earlier, Syria’s internet is under strict surveillance by state authorities. For users looking to enjoy unfettered access, it’s crucial to opt for a VPN provider that delivers top-tier levels of privacy, encryption, and speeds so that government blockades are sidestepped without any problems. Free VPNs, unfortunately, won’t deliver on this promise.

Most free VPN providers attempt to build a bare-bones product that barely gets the job done. This helps lure unsuspecting users and allows the company to monetize its service via advertisements or frequent upgrade requests. Free VPNs won’t offer you the same levels of customer support, encryption, and speed that their top-rated competitors will. Instead, be prepared to endure wait times to connect to a server, bandwidth throttling, and sharply reduced speeds.

What’s more, there are examples of free VPN services with questionable ethics; some have engaged in acts like leveraging user bandwidth to build botnet armies, and infecting host devices with malware in order to mine data. We believe it’s in your best interests to avoid using free VPNs when browsing the internet.

Why should I use a VPN in Syria?

Despite the ongoing war in the Middle Eastern country, Syrian authorities still take it upon themselves to actively block and filter content. In some areas, the internet is a crucial lifeline for communication, particularly when mobile phone networks may be jammed.

Syria is one of the only countries in the world to have a negative score in Freedom House’s “Political rights” category, AND a single digit score for “Civil liberties”. The report goes on to mention that torture, enforced disappearances, and military trials are common, and that’s in areas controlled by the government.

The Syrian government blocks a host of politically charged websites that are critical of the regime, most notably some that are Lebanese- or Jordanian-run. It engages in this censorship with several commercially available software programs such as ThunderCache, which utilizes deep packet inspection to throttle access. There’s also evidence to suggest that Italian company Area SpA has worked closely with Syrian authorities to further flex its censorship and surveillance abilities. Some of the recommended VPNs in our list will guard against this technology.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Syria

The situation in Syria remains extremely volatile, with many websites inaccessible. Further, journalists frequently face violent retaliation for reporting on the country’s ongoing conflict. For this reason, not just any VPN will do. Here are the key areas we focused on when finding the best VPNs to use in Syria:

  • Security tools: We looked for VPNs with strong security offerings. This must include 256-bit encryption (which is effectively uncrackable), a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. A wider selection of features is always preferable, though.
  • Privacy protections: It’s vital that your VPN keeps no logs. This prevents your provider from revealing what you do online, even in the face of legal pressure. Additionally, we prioritized VPNs with stealth modes or privacy-enhancing protocols. As an added bonus, these often allow you to fly under the radar and access your usual websites abroad.
  • Performance: It’s no use if your VPN only works sometimes. We’ve run hundreds of speed tests and can confidently say that the services above are quick enough and reliable enough for anything you have in mind.

We perform rigorous testing before we recommend any VPN. To find out more, read our full VPN testing process post.

Using a VPN can help, obviously. But for a detailed, step-by-step process we encourage you to read our guide to blogging safely.

If you try to use a VPN that doesn’t support Netflix, then you’ll probably be shown a proxy error message. It’s better to opt for one on our recommended list instead. Most of them work with Netflix, but it’s a good idea to check with customer support in case you run into any problems.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to use a VPN in Syria.