Using the internet in Bahrain comes with its fair share of problems. Aside from the usual issue of encountering region-locked websites and services, you’ll find that some online content is censored by the government. In fact, Bahrain is a country with an extremely low level of internet freedom. That’s why it’s so important to use a VPN while browsing the web or streaming in Bahrain.

So how can a Virtual Private Network (VPN) help? Simply, a VPN is a service that secures your internet traffic, routing it through an encrypted tunnel to a server somewhere else in the world. This protects your data and, by extension, your identity from hackers and snoopers. When you connect to a VPN server, you receive a new IP address. Aside from allowing you to browse anonymously, this lets you spoof your location and access online content from home that would otherwise be blocked in Bahrain.

This article explains everything you need to know about our top VPN recommendations for Bahrain. Need a VPN for Bahrain as soon as possible? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs to use:

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Bahrain. Over 5,000 servers. Very fast server speeds. 24/7 support and Double VPN servers. Strict no-logs policy and secure with high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN for Bahrain. Unlimited devices per account. Good for Netflix, Disney+, and more. Strong security with Double VPN servers.
  • ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries. Strong unblocking and fast speeds. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Uses strong encryption, ideal for Bahrain.
  • CyberGhost: 7,000+ servers. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 live chat support available. Connect up to seven devices at once.
  • IPVanish: Good, consistent speeds and unblocking ability. Secure all of your devices in Bahrain. Security includes a zero-logs policy and encryption.
  • PrivateVPN: Fast speeds for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer in Bahrain. Very easy to use apps and live chat and email support.
  • Atlas VPN: This quick and reliable VPN offers plenty of security tools and no connection limit. Works with a huge range of services.

Due to Bahrain’s high level of censorship and repression, choosing the right VPN is particularly important. We found the best VPNs for Bahrain by only selecting those that are able to provide all of the following:

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

  • Servers in dozens of countries worldwide
  • Good, consistent speeds for streaming
  • High-end encryption for your data’s security
  • Privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy
  • Customer support via live chat and email
  • Multiple simultaneous connections per account

Best VPNs for Bahrain

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Bahrain:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN provides plenty of choice with its network of over 5,000 servers. These servers are spread across 60 countries, making it great for unblocking a wide range of geo-restricted content worldwide. Just as important, NordVPN has very fast server speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth. This allows for seamless browsing and lag-free streaming. Further, this VPN’s strong streaming abilities let you use the likes of HBO Max and BBC iPlayer abroad.

With NordVPN, you can choose between various specialty servers. This includes those that are optimized for P2P traffic as well as Double VPN servers that offer an extra layer of encryption. 24/7 support is available via live chat and users have the option to secure up to six devices at once. NordVPN will keep you safe online in Bahrain; aside from a strict no-logs policy, it boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, a tracker-blocker, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks.

NordVPN’s user-friendly apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required in order to use NordVPN with your wireless router.

Pros:

  • Over 5,000 servers for accessing websites around the world
  • Very fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming and torrenting
  • Strong unblocking ability
  • Specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN
  • Includes 24/7 support via live chat and email
  • Strong security includes high-end encryption and strict no-logs policy

Cons:

  • Can only select a location rather than a specific server

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has grown considerably in recent years, expanding its network to over 3,000 servers in total. You’ll find servers in approximately 65 countries including the US, which means it’s ideal for streaming Netflix and Disney+. This VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth which means you shouldn’t have any issues while streaming or torrenting. What’s more, you can protect as many devices as you want at once.

This provider offers excellent apps and plenty of features that ensure your online security in Bahrain. For starters, they use 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to hide your activities from snoopers. This VPN’s strict no-logs policy means that, even if requested, there’s absolutely no information to provide. MultiHop (Double VPN) servers are also available if you’d like an extra layer of security. If you need any assistance, Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has over 3,000 servers and works with Netflix. Beginner-friendly VPN with excellent apps and 24/7 support. Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Double VPN servers available. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Growing network of over 3,000 servers across 65 countries

  • Works great with most streaming services

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for an extra layer of encryption

  • Live chat and email support, 24/7

  • Switching servers can be a little slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has one of the larger networks of servers of any VPN. With some 3,000 servers in 160 locations and 94 countries, it’s an excellent choice for bypassing content restrictions. However, just as important as the quantity of servers is the quality of the connections. With ExpressVPN, you can expect fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This combination results in fast, reliable speeds: exactly what you want for streaming Netflix or using uTorrent.

This VPN includes excellent 24/7 support via live chat and email. Of course, protecting your privacy is particularly important in Bahrain. The good news is that ExpressVPN helps you do this with its various security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN isn’t subject to mandatory data retention laws. Regardless, it doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users, and you can pay in Bitcoin if you’d like.

Secure up to five devices at once via ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also the option of browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox as well as custom firmware for routers.

SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Excellent apps and 24/7 support included. Keeps you safe in Bahrain with high-end encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Bypass restrictions with a network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries

  • Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming

  • Works with popular streaming services including Netflix

  • Beginner-friendly with excellent apps and 24/7 live chat support

  • Uses high-end encryption to secure your data from snoopers

  • One of the more expensive VPNs on the market

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers more servers in more countries than the majority of VPNs on the market. With its network of over 7,000 servers in 90+ countries, you can use this VPN to access most services you’re likely to come across. Better still, CyberGhost provides fast, reliable connections for streaming as well as torrenting. Its strong unblocking ability is ideal for bypassing strict online restrictions in Bahrain.

If you’re seeking a high level of security while browsing in Bahrain, CyberGhost is a safe choice. That’s because it has all of the essential security features including 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and an automatic kill switch. Notably, this VPN operates a strict no-logs policy. What’s more, it has independently operated “NoSpy” servers, offering reduced risk of interference from third parties. 24/7 support is also available over email and live chat.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost provides roughly 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Reliable unblocking and high-speed connections for streaming. Secure up to seven devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs policy for anonymity. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Huge network of 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries

  • High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth

  • Connect up to seven devices at the same time

  • 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Lots of security features including a strict no-logs policy

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • Could provide more control over advanced features

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Needless to say, this VPN is ideal for sharing with family. Overall, it has over 1,900 servers which are located in dozens of countries. With a particularly strong presence in the US (where IPVanish is headquartered), IPVanish is well placed to securely access US streaming services such as Netflix. Servers are as reliable as they are fast, meaning this VPN is a solid choice for lag-free streaming.

This VPN lets you automatically connect to the fastest available server, making it a very user-friendly choice. Live chat support is available 24/7 should you run into any issues. Security-wise, IPVanish will protect your privacy with its use of 256-bit AES encryption. Aside from DNS leak protection and a kill switch, there’s a zero-logs policy. As such, you’re protected from hackers, snoopers, or indeed the Bahrain government.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is fast and works well with Netflix US. Servers in dozens of countries for accessing content outside Bahrain. Connect as many devices as you’d like. 24/7 support available. Zero-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Secure as many devices as you want at the same time

  • Lots of servers in the United States

  • Includes 24/7 support via live chat

  • Security features include encryption and a no-logs policy

  • Doesn’t work with as many streaming services as its rivals

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a VPN with fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for streaming, be it Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+. While its network consists of only a little over 200 servers, these are spread across 63 countries. This means you can use PrivateVPN to unblock content from all around the world. Once signed up for an account, you’ll even be able to use it on up to 10 devices at the same time.

It’s very easy to find and connect to a PrivateVPN server, although the apps offer both simple and advanced menus to cater to users of all levels of experience. This VPN provides live chat support most hours of the day while its email support typically responds to queries within the hour. The advanced security features PrivateVPN uses should provide peace of mind whether you’re in Bahrain or elsewhere. There’s a strict no logs policy as well as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

PrivateVPN apps are available for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). It’s also possible to use it with Linux and some wireless routers. In this case, manual setup is required.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN works with popular streaming services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. User-friendly desktop and mobile apps secured with high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Good, consistent speeds for browsing and streaming

  • Watch the likes of Netflix and Disney+ from abroad

  • Easy-to-use apps and live chat support

  • Strict no-logs policy keeps ensures your online privacy

  • Small network of just over 200 servers

  • Limited selection of apps with no browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Atlas VPN

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

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN operates around 750 servers in 45 countries around the world. This service is adept at flying under the radar, meaning it’s perfect for anyone hoping to browse safely, even on networks that normally block VPN traffic. As well as provided top-tier speeds and letting you connect as many devices as you like, Atlas VPN works with popular platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and HBO Max.

This service has one of the strongest security toolkits on the market. It keeps your activities private using 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Additionally, Atlas VPN can swap your IP address regularly, making you much harder to track. It just recently introduced a breach monitor tool too; this will let you know if any of your personal info has been leaked online. Live chat is available around the clock in case of any issues.

Atlas VPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows apps. At the time of writing, it can’t be installed on Linux systems or routers.

HIGHLY SECURE:Atlas VPN doesn’t compromise where privacy is concerned. What’s more, it’s among the fastest services we’ve tested and works with a huge range of geo-blocked platforms. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Good set of security tools

  • Fast enough for uninterrupted HD streaming

  • No connection limit

  • Cancelling could be much easier

  • No Linux or router support

Why not check out our full Atlas VPN review?

How to use a VPN in Bahrain

Within a matter of minutes, you can be unblocking geo-restricted websites and enjoying improved online privacy. Below, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to save you some time:

Here’s how you can use a VPN in Bahrain:

  • First, sign up with one of the VPN providers listed. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Next, download and install the VPN, making sure you’ve selected the appropriate version for your device.
  • Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the US if you’d like a US IP address.
  • Go to the website or service that you’re trying to unblock. Its content should now be available without restriction.
  • Still not working? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Alternatively, connect to another server or contact your VPN’s customer support.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Bahrain

Bahrain’s digital landscape presents several challenges to privacy-conscious internet users. As such, very few VPNs are suitable in this location. To find those that are, we looked for services that excel in each of the areas below:

  • Network scale: The more servers that are available to you, the wider the range of content you’ll be able to access. Additionally, larger networks tend to provide more consistent speeds (as individual servers are less likely to be overloaded by users).
  • Speed: Slow connections cause problems no matter what you’re doing online. To ensure the best possible experience, we decided to only recommend VPNs that delivered impressive results in our latest speed testing.
  • Security: Given that the government has a history of surveilling activists and journalists, this is incredibly important. We require effectively uncrackable encryption (256-bit AES or better), a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks at a bare minimum. Naturally, we gravitate towards providers with more advanced tools to take advantage of.
  • Privacy: It’s vital that our top VPNs follow a no-logging policy so that they can’t reveal what you do online, even in the face of legal pressure. We also looked for providers with some form of cloaking, whether it be a custom protocol or a toggleable stealth mode. This not only helps obscure what you do online, but can also help you access the wider internet in places like Bahrain.
  • Ease of use: The easier a service is to use,the better. Our top providers offer customer support over live chat, plus apps for all major operating systems. Some even allow you to protect every device you own simultaneously.

Looking to find out more about how we test VPNs? Just take a look at our in-depth methodology post.

Aside from limits on content, there are security concerns. Citizens have been pressured to remove content they’ve posted online. In some cases, citizens have even been arrested and jailed. There’s also an increasing level of state surveillance with the government reportedly using spyware to target dissidents.

Needless to say, using a VPN to encrypt your data is important if you don’t want it falling in the wrong hands.

However, the main reason to avoid free VPNs in Bahrain are those related to security. The rights of internet users are frequently violated with citizens arrested and prosecuted for what they post online. There’s also a high level of state surveillance. Free VPNs don’t help you avoid these issues, particularly because some don’t even encrypt your data or protect you from leaks. Some free VPN services even log and sell your data which is particularly dangerous in a country like Bahrain.

Disclaimer: we’ve researched this topic thoroughly but can’t claim to be experts on Bahrain’s laws. Nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to study the relevant legislation (and perhaps consult a professional) before using a VPN in Bahrain.