The best VPNs for Israel in 2020

Six million people, or about 73 percent of the population, enjoy access to the internet in Israel making it one of the most connected countries in the region. Israeli tech is widely ranked as some of the most futuristic and disruptive in the world, but that doesn’t mean there are zero restrictions on content.

Social media posts deemed to be inciteful and hateful can be censored by the government. The military censor has the authority to gag press freedoms. There has also been talk in the legislature of banning sites containing pornography or keeping a list of those who access them.

Because of these restrictions we recommend you use a VPN while browsing the web in Israel. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device by routing it via an intermediary server. It’s sturdy software that guarantees anonymity and privacy.

If you’re outside of Israel but want to stream Israel-only content, a VPN can also help unblock those websites and streams. All of the VPN providers we recommend have servers in Israel that will let you browse the web and watch Israeli TV abroad as if you were physically located there.

If you don’t want to read the full article, here’s a summary list of the best VPNs for Israel.

Best VPNs for Israel:

1. ExpressVPN Our top recommendation for Israel. Fast, secure connections that unblock Netflix and other streaming sites. 24/7 live chat support and works with all kinds of devices.
2. NordVPN Best budget choice. Zero logs, strong security, and good speeds. Works with Netflix.
3. Surfshark Strong unblocking ability, a no-logs policy, and powerful security features make this service ideal for users in Israel.
4. CyberGhost Easy to use, with fast speeds and the ability to unblock streaming sites.
5. IPVanish Secure VPN with decent speeds and zero logs.
6. VyprVPN No-logs provider that owns all of its servers and works well in China.

If you’re outside of Israel make sure to read our dedicated article on how to get an Israel IP address from abroad.

Best VPNs for Israel

Our recommended Israel VPNs were ranked based on the following factors:

• Speed and reliability of service
• Strong encryption parameters
• No usage logs
• Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease
• Servers in Israel
• Apps for Android and iOS.

1. ExpressVPN

Nov 2020 Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

ExpressVPN ranks highly on our list of the top VPN services for its commitment to impeccable speed and neat user experience.

ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries with quick and efficient connections to all. Servers are located in Israel too – ideal for residents of the country traveling abroad and wishing to access local content.

The company doesn’t store any logs that could identify an individual user or their online activity. ExpressVPN’s encryption parameters are a sturdy 256-bit AES-CBC with the utilization of both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy – which means previously encrypted communications cannot be retrieved even if a hacker cracks your password. An internet kill switch is embedded within the app, called a network lock, which means all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.

ExpressVPN is also able to unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix with ease. It’s compatible with both Hulu and BBC iPlayer as well and supports torrenting.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wifi routers.

BEST VPN FOR ISRAEL:ExpressVPN is our #1 Choice. Optimized for high-speed connections. Scores high above its rivals for geo-restricted content. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

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2. NordVPN

Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

NordVPN is another handy VPN service that boasts a true zero-logs policy – with the result that it holds no data about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps of any nature. The company operates 5,500+ servers in 60 countries making it a sturdy choice for the entire scope of web activity. Seventeen of these servers are located in Israel. Finding a suitable connection shouldn’t be an issue. It’s able to skirt the Netflix VPN ban with ease, as well as unlocking content from Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Torrenting is allowed.

NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is on by default. A single subscription grants access to six devices – making it a good option to share with friends or family – with support for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:NordVPN is great value. Solid security and privacy and works reliably in Israel. Use up to 6 devices at once with great connection speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

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3. Surfshark

Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

Surfshark operates more than 1,700 servers across 60+ countries (including Israel). As such, it’s a strong choice for users looking to unblock Israeli content while abroad, or those who simply want to bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark provides generally decent speeds and easily unblocks major platforms like Netflix US. As there’s no connection limit, you’re free to watch on whichever device you prefer.

Security is Surfshark’s specialty. It keeps your traffic safe from snoopers using 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. There’s also automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, as well as a NoBorders feature that’s specifically designed for use in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but if you’re concerned, you can sign up almost completely anonymously using cryptocurrency and a throwaway email address. Live chat-based customer support is available around the clock in case of any issues.

Surfshark offers apps for Linux, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Android. It also works with select network routers although manual configuration is required.

BROWSE SECURELY:Surfshark makes it easy to browse privately at all times. It offers reasonable speeds, a wide range of advanced security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. As if that wasn’t enough, you can even connect every device you own simultaneously.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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4. CyberGhost

Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

CyberGhost states very prominently on its site that it maintains zero logs on user behavior and browsing habits so that should ease concerns about privacy and anonymity. Over 5,700 servers are spread across 90 countries in the world including ten servers in Israel so accessing local content shouldn’t be an issue.

The VPN service won’t unlock geo-restricted content on Netflix but does work on BBC iPlayer. It uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. There’s also an internet kill switch included which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows, MacOS and Linux.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well in Israel. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface.  45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

Concerns about traffic logs or retention of user data are addressed by the policy of IPVanish to keep zero logs or metadata. IPVanish also has robust encryption parameters, which means prying eyes such as snoopy government agencies or hackers are kept safely at bay. It uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy.

The VPN service also includes an internet kill switch, which means traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops out of the blue. Servers are optimized for speed and security – over 1,300 of them spread across 75 worldwide locations in 60 countries, including two in Israel.

IPVanish doesn’t reliably circumvent the Netflix ban on VPNs and is similarly incompatible with Hulu, but does come highly recommended for BBC iPlayer. There are apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish is great for families. It works with up to 10 Connected devices. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. VyprVPN

Works in IsraelTested Nov 2020

VyprVPN now keeps no logs on its users, as evidenced by a recent third-party audit. The company owns and manages entire data centers, helping optimize things like speed and stability of the connection. All internet traffic flowing through its servers is secured by the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication.

VyprVPN is one of the few VPN services that skirt China’s Great Firewall with ease. It can unlock geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

VyprVPN includes an internet kill switch by default, which means web traffic will be halted temporarily if the connection drops – securing your privacy and anonymity.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop apps for Windows and MacOS.

INDEPENDENT NETWORK:VyprVPN is user friendly. Good speeds and uptime as all servers are owned by VyprVPN. Great privacy, security and they keep no internet browsing logs. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

How to watch Israeli TV from abroad with a VPN

Israel is home to a ton of live and on-demand TV programming. Popular live channels include Keshet, Mako, BeTipul, and Channels 1, 2, 10, and 24. You can also stream video on demand from Isramedia, Hot, Walla, and Yes.

Many of the online streams for these channels restrict watching to viewers in Israel, which means people outside of Israel will need an Israeli IP address to watch. A VPN can change your IP address to anywhere it has servers. All of the VPNs we recommend have servers in Israel. Once you’ve signed up for one of the recommended VPNs above, just follow these steps to unblock Israel video streams from abroad.

Here’s how to watch Israeli TV from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Download and install the VPN app for your device, we recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Open the VPN app and select a server in Israel
3. Hit the Connect button
4. Once the connection has been established, open the video as you normally would.

You now have an IP address for Israel and the stream should now be unblocked. If not, try clearing your cookies and browser cache, or contact your VPN’s customer support for help.

Free VPN options

It’s easy to find a free VPN if you don’t want to splurge for one.

But free VPN services come with several limitations. You don’t have a large network of servers to choose from. Encryption standards are weak, at best. And be prepared for speed throttling and bandwidth caps – there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Such services may come across as free but they have overheads too – staff salaries, office space, and server maintenance. At the same time, they’re not charities – so it’s likely that they’re monetizing by selling your data to whoever can cough up the cash for it and inject tons of invasive advertisements.

If you’re okay with these infractions and lousy service then a free VPN isn’t half-bad. But paid versions are a class apart – with speed, privacy, and security guaranteed.

Does Hulu work in Israel?

Hulu is region-locked to the US. However, for anyone traveling abroad, you can still access your Hulu account by using a VPN. Simply choose one of your VPN’s US servers and you’ll be able to watch Hulu as if you were back home.

Here’s how to watch Hulu in Israel with a VPN:

1. Sign up with a VPN that works in Thailand and unblocks Hulu. We recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device.
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the US. This will provide you with an American IP address for watching Hulu abroad.
4. Go to Hulu and login to your account (you can also sign up for an account but you’ll need an American payment method).
5. You should now be able to play videos on Hulu! If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies.

Israel VPN FAQs