Best VPNs for the Philippines in 2023: Browse Freely

Internet Freedom has been on the decline in the Philippines. This is marked by the suppression of comments aimed at politicians and by censorship of the media. In fact, Freedom House has given the country an Internet Freedom Score of 65 out of 100, indicating that the internet there is only partially free.

As a result, there are risks with using the internet in the Philippines. However, using a VPN can help you to operate more safely online when in the country.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) routes your internet connection through an encrypted, third-party server, securing the connection and ensuring that your private browsing data can’t be accessed by ISPs and governments. VPNs also allow you to bypass geographical restrictions on internet content.

Internet users in the Philippines can take control of their internet experience by making use of a VPN. I have extensively reviewed a range of VPNs in order to find the best one for the Philippines and have arrived at the list below. However, if you don’t have time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for the Philippines:

1. NordVPN: My number one VPN choice for the Philippines. It has fast speeds, strong security measures in place, and it gives users a wide range of servers. With thousands of servers available and the ability to access many different services, this is the clear top contender. In addition, NordVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that users can try the service risk-free.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for the Philippines. It is affordable and comes with several security features built-in. It has over 3,200 servers and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: A great option for streaming. It works with top-tier streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime and also has strong security measures in place.
4. CyberGhost: Has a large server network that consists of more than 9,000 servers. This gives lots of options to users. It can also unblock many different services and is a secure platform.
5. PrivateVPN: A smaller, privacy-focused option with servers in around 63 countries. It is fast and reliable and can unblock many services.
6. IPVanish: A popular service among Kodi streamers. It is secure and provides fast streaming speeds, perfect for streaming your favorite TV shows.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A lightweight and secure option that ticks plenty of boxes in terms of performance in the Philippines and when traveling abroad.
8. Atlas VPN: Fast and provides lag-free streams when using services such as Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

I carefully researched the best VPNs for the Philippines based on the following criteria:

• Can unblock services easily
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• Servers in a wide variety of countries

For more detailed information about the criteria I used, make sure you check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for the Philippines

Here is my list of the best VPNs for the Philippines.

1. Nord VPN

With blazing fast connection speeds and over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries, NordVPN is an excellent VPN choice, especially for those who stream a lot. With its fast connection speeds and multiple server locations, it is also a great option for expats who may be looking to unblock content from the Philippines.

In addition to being a great option for expats, there are several security features in place that keep users secure while using the service. For example, measures such as 256-bit AES encryption, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, keep users’ connections secure while they use the service. No logs are stored, which is excellent from a privacy viewpoint. NordVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments which don’t associate users’ names with payments unlike traditional credit card payments.

NordVPN apps are available for macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Routers can be manually configured to work with the service too. Six simultaneous device connections are supported and the customer support team can be reached 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are great for streaming applications
• Strong security measures keep users protected
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms
• The customer support team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR THE PHILIPPINES:NordVPN is my top choice for expats. It has a large server network that offers speeds fast enough to support streaming content in high definition and it is a secure platform with servers in over 5,000 locations globally. On top of all of that, it offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee so that they can try the service risk-free during that period.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to finding a VPN on a budget. This provider has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and offers fast connection speeds as well as strong security features. It also has no trouble unblocking top-tier streaming services.

The provider’s security measures are solid. It provides 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and Web RTC leaks, and there is also a kill switch in place. There is also an option for traffic scrambling which hides the fact that a user is using a VPN. This is important in places where VPNs may not be allowed.

Surfshark apps can be downloaded for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this VPN manually installed on them. Users are allowed an unlimited number of connections. The customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat, making it easy for customers from all time zones to get any technical help they may need.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures are in place
• An unlimited number of connections are supported
• Cryptocurrency payments are supported, which is great for increased anonymity

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR THE PHILIPPINES:Surfshark is very competitive in terms of its pricing. On top of this, it can access many different services without hassle. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers across 94+ countries. Its server network is one of the fastest out there and is great for streaming services.

This provider also ensures the safety of its users with a number of different security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and  WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular website, there is also a .onion site which must be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted. No logs are stored by this service.

ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can be installed on some supported routers. Five simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock many different services
• .onion site available and cryptocurrency payments are supported
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• A little more expensive than some other options

GREAT STREAMING OPTION:ExpressVPN is one of the faster VPN options available. It also has strong security measures in place and can access many different services. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest number of servers out of all of the other VPNs on this list. It can access several different services and its connection speeds are fast. In total, there are 9,700 servers located in  91+ countries.

There are strong security measures in place with this provider, including 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. No logs are stored either. This provider accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer support team is available 24/7 and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service is provided
• Huge server network is spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures are in place

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 9,000 servers. This gives users many different choices for getting a different IP address. Strong security measures are in place and users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63+ countries. It can unblock many different services and the quality of this provider is high. It offers fast streaming speeds and can support top-tier streaming services.

The provider has several security measures in place as well. These include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against leaks (DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6). No logs are stored and the provider accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for several platforms. These include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers and Linux devices can be manually configured to work with this service. The customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours. However, the quality of customer service is excellent. 10 devices can be connected simultaneously with this service.

Pros:

• Can unblock many services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China
• No logs are stored

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support is not available 24/7

PRIVACY FOCUSED VPN:Private VPN is a security focused VPN. It has strong encryption in place and no logs are stored. Connection speeds are also fast. Many services can be unblocked with PrivateVPN and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish has a secure platform with just under 2,000 servers in 50+ countries. The server network is fast and has proven to be a big hit among the Kodi streaming community. This type of speed will allow expats to access streaming and other services in their home country without lag or buffering.

Solid security is a given. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. A traffic scrambling option is also available and no logs are stored by this provider.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually set up on some routers and on Linux. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited number of connections allowed
• No logs are stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast speeds and supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is suitable for those who may want to stream from abroad. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is fast and efficient thanks to its use of the WireGuard VPN protocol. PIA is also a lightweight option that doesn’t use many system resources. It can unblock several different services.

Strong security is offered by this provider, with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling helping to keep users safe. This service stores no logs either.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. PIA has customer service that is available 24/7 via the provided live chat and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many different services
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
• Several customization options are available

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT, EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that is also fast and efficient. It supports an unlimited number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in around 40 locations. Its network of servers is fast enough to allow for the streaming of services such as Netflix without lag or buffering. It doesn’t have the largest server network as it is a newer provider, but its offering is of high quality and is generally a great choice for expats.

It comes with several security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This service stores no logs and MultiHop servers are available that can encrypt your data twice. Atlas VPN supports cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. An unlimited number of connections are supported.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different streaming services
• Fast connection speeds
• MultiHop servers encrypt data twice
• No identifying logs are stored

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be better

FAST AND EFFICIENT OPTION:Atlas VPN is fast and efficient. It supports an unlimited number of connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I found the best VPNs for the Philippines

There is a large number of VPNs available. However, not all of them have the same capabilities. For this reason, I extensively reviewed several different options using my testing methodology to ensure that the best providers were chosen.

Here are the factors that I considered when making my choice of the best VPNs for the Philippines:

• Servers: It’s better for VPNs to have more servers available. This gives users better options and lets them have more choices when it comes to unblocking services that may be restricted in their particular location.
• Ability to unblock services: These VPN services all offer excellent access to leading streaming platforms around the world, so you can access your favorite shows no matter where you’re located.
• Security: VPNs are an important tool for protecting users in the online environment. They offer protection on open WiFi networks and mask your internet activity from governments and ISPs.
• Speed: Providing Fast connection speeds is necessary to ensure that users don’t encounter lag or buffering while browsing. This ensures a frustration-free browsing experience.

Philippines VPNs FAQs