Best VPNs for South Africa in 2025

When you’re traveling abroad, it can be frustratingly difficult to access local services from back home. As a South African, this can include services such as online banking or streaming platforms.

However, this issue can be overcome using a VPN, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite TV shows and sports. Also, VPNs protect your private information online and offer excellent additional security features.

If you are looking for a VPN service for South Africa, I have reviewed the best providers in detail below. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for South Africa:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for South Africa. It has over 7,000 servers globally, offers fast connection speeds, and has strong security measures. It’s a great option for those looking to bypass geographical restrictions. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: An excellent budget VPN for South Africa. It has thousands of servers worldwide and doesn’t skimp on speed or security. It offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
3. IPVanish: This is a great streaming provider with strong security features and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections supported.
4. CyberGhost VPN: Has a very large server network and is great for beginners. Comes with servers optimized for activities such as streaming and gaming.
5. ExpressVPN: Has thousands of servers in many locations, including South Africa. It also has servers optimized for different online activities, catering to all your needs.
6. PureVPN: A top choice for those looking for a secure provider with good privacy features and great unblocking abilities.
7. Proton VPN: A secure and reliable option that has a strong focus on privacy. Provides access to thousands of servers around the world.
8. Private Internet Access: Easy to use and works well for South Africans and other users across the continent.
9. PrivateVPN: A privacy-focused VPN with servers in South Africa and the rest of the world. Excellent security features.

While reviewing the best VPNs for South Africa, I used the following criteria to select the providers that made the list:

• A strong server network with servers in South Africa
• Fast connection speeds
• Ease of use
• Strong security measures in place
• Value for money

You find out more information about the criteria I used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for South Africa

Here is my list of the best VPNs for South Africa in more detail, so you can make an informed choice about the provider that suits your needs.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN’s network consists of over 7,000 servers in 100+ countries. It is fast and can unblock many different services. This includes services such as online banking and streaming platforms – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. It also has servers in South Africa, which makes it a great option for South Africans traveling abroad.

In addition, NordVPN has strong security features in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, and a strict no-logs policy. Protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks is also included. NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments, which are more anonymous than traditional credit card payments since names aren’t associated with them.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. Plus, some routers can have this service installed on them. Users have the option of connecting 10 of their devices simultaneously and the customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• No logs are stored
• Apps available on many different platforms
• Customer service team available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is one of the best providers available. It has a large server network and can unblock many different services. It also has servers in South Africa and strong security measures in place. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent, affordably priced VPN. Despite the low price, the quality of service is still high, with over 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries including South Africa. It offers fast streaming speeds and can unblock many other types of services, such as online banking apps and social media sites.

This service has strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. A kill switch is also included and traffic scrambling is provided. Another positive aspect of this provider is the support for cryptocurrency payments. Plus, it stores no logs.

Surfshark apps are also available for many different platforms. These include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and some routers. Surfshark offers users an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is great for users with many different devices. The customer service team is available 24/7 via live chat – ideal for people in different time zones.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Supports an unlimited number of connections
• Allows cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

• Some servers are slightly slow

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable and still upholds high standards. It can unblock many different services, allows you to connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish has a network of 2,200+ servers in 100+ countries, including South Africa. It has been trusted by the Kodi community for several years thanks to the robust nature of the VPN network; it’s fast and reliable.

There are also many security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. A traffic scrambling option is included and no logs are stored.

IPVanish apps are available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. In addition, this service can be manually installed on some routers and Linux. Supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is secure and offers fast streaming speeds. Users can have an unlimited number of devices connected at once and a 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has the largest number of servers available of all the other providers on this list, with over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries. It can unblock streaming services such as ITV, Amazon Prime, and Netflix effortlessly, which is great for those who need to access geographically restricted services. Its connection speeds are fast.

CyberGhost has strong security measures, which include protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This provider also has 256-bit AES encryption in place, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch that stops your IP address from being leaked if your VPN becomes disconnected. CyberGhost also accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Users can download CyberGhost apps for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service. The customer service 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 spread across a large number of countries
• Strong security and privacy measures

Cons:

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

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a large network that consists of over 11,500 servers, which gives South African users many different options for bypassing geographical restrictions. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers spread across 105+ countries. Its server speeds are super fast, which is great for streaming. In addition, ExpressVPN can unblock many different services, including streaming platforms and online banking apps.

This provider ensures the safety of its users thanks to numerous security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, 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 that must be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted.

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. Eight 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
• Limited device connections

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

6. PureVPN

PureVPN comes with over 6,000 servers in 70+ countries (including South Africa), making it a great provider for users who require servers in various locations. In addition, it offers fast streaming speeds and can unblock geo-restricted services easily (but not Netflix).

There are also several strong security and privacy measures in place. These include AES 256-bit encryption with the L2TP/IPSec protocol, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PureVPN stores no personally identifiable information.

This provider has apps available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can also encrypt your phone with apps for Android and iOS. Allows 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Strong encryption protocol
• Allows torrenting
• Server locations in South Africa

Cons:

• Somewhat unpredictable speeds
• Can’t unblock Netflix

RELIABLE AND TRUSTED:PureVPN is simple to use, keeps your data secure, and offers a huge server network. It works with most streaming platforms and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

7 Proton VPN

Proton VPN has 9,120+ servers in over 112 countries. It can unblock services with ease and is fast enough for gaming and streaming applications.

In addition, it has security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, a built-in ad blocker, and leak protection. It also stores no logs and supports TOR over VPN.

Proton VPN is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. You can simultaneously connect 10 devices. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer live chat support, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security
• Good for gaming
• Works for torrenting

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Could be more user-friendly

GREAT LINUX OPTION:Proton VPN can unblock many different services, has strong security, and is a great Linux option. It even offers a CLI app and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with servers in over 91 countries. It can unblock streaming services such as YouTube TV and Amazon Prime, plus all of your favorite local South African services.

Strong security is offered by this provider, too. AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling keep users safe while online. Note that this service stores no logs.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA has customer service that is available via their 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of device connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• WireGuard VPN protocol supported (faster, more efficient protocol)
• Several customization options

Cons:

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

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE:PIA is a lightweight option that provides users with secure access to many streaming services. It supports 10 simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider, with only just over 200 servers. However, its server network is spread across 60+ countries (including South Africa), which means you can access streaming services from many different countries.

PrivateVPN has strong security measures in place, such as 256-bit AES encryption, protection from IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and it stores no logs. On top of that, this provider accepts cryptocurrency payments.

Apps are provided for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Linux devices and routers can be manually configured to work with this service, too. One thing to note is that customer service agents can only be reached during regular business hours. However, the quality of customer service is excellent. 10 devices can be connected on a single subscription simultaneously.

Pros:

• Fast speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused provider that has strong security features to keep you safe online. It also provides access to a wide range of streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for South Africa

In my quest to find the best VPNs for South Africa, I reviewed many different services. Not all VPN services are created equal, so I did some digging and found the best providers.

Here are the criteria I used when picking the best VPNs for South Africa:

• Servers: A strong server network is important for providing users with options for bypassing geo-restricted services. In addition, having South African servers is important for letting users from South Africa access local services while traveling abroad.
• Ability to unblock services: Not all VPNs can successfully unblock services. However, the ones on this list can successfully bypass VPN blocks, granting you access to streaming platforms and other online services.
• Security: VPNs should protect users online. They protect against hackers on open WiFi networks and also protect your privacy while you operate in the online world.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds ensure that users can have the protection of a VPN but still enjoy activities such as streaming and gaming. Good connection speeds mean no buffering and no frustration.

Check out my full VPN testing process here.

How to use a VPN in South Africa

Getting started with a VPN is easy. Simply follow these steps to use a VPN in South Africa:

1. First, you will need to sign up for a top-tier VPN service. I recommend NordVPN since it has thousands of servers globally, fast streaming speeds, and strong security measures in place.
2. Now, register and pay for the service.
3. Next, download the app for the VPN service to the device you will be using the VPN on.
4. Open up the VPN app, select a South African server, and connect to it.
5. You can confirm that you have a South African IP address using an IP address checker tool.

If you encounter issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Contact your VPN’s customer support team if this doesn’t work.

Best VPNs for South Africa FAQs