Best VPNs for Malaysia

Whether traveling to or living in Malaysia, a VPN is necessary to stay safe online. Malaysia’s cyber landscape has worsened in the past few years, with authorities clamping down on dissent by silencing the press and blocking websites that discuss corruption scandals. There have also been cases of bloggers and social media users being arrested for expressing their views online. For these reasons, we recommend a VPN to safeguard your privacy when accessing the internet in Malaysia.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device, making it impossible for hackers or government authorities to determine your true location. Your data is tunneled via an intermediary server, keeping it safe and secure. A VPN is also an excellent choice for expatriates living in Malaysia who wish to access geo-restricted content from home. At the same time, Malaysian residents traveling abroad can also use a VPN to access channels like Astro.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for keeping you safe online in Malaysia and walk you through how to use them. You can read detailed reviews of each below, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

The best VPNs for Malaysia:

  1. NordVPN: Our #1 pick for a Malaysia VPN. A veteran provider that doesn’t compromise on privacy, security, or speed and has thousands of servers in its global network. NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Malaysia.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Malaysia. A strong all-rounder with servers in 100+ countries. Great security credentials and unblocking ability.
  3. IPVanish: Favored for its user-friendly apps and impressive streaming speeds. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Servers in Malaysia.
  4. ExpressVPN: A fast and reliable service, this provider has servers located in over 100 countries, including Malaysia, which is great for unblocking geo-restricted sites. Privacy and security are high-grade.
  5. CyberGhost: A beginner-friendly provider with a vast network of fast-streaming global servers and more than 30 servers in Malaysia. Easy to install and use.
  6. Private Internet Access: Quick and security-conscious, with reliable servers in Malaysia. Works with several major streaming platforms and doesn’t keep any logs.
  7. PrivateVPN: Epic unblocking ability, excellent speeds, up to 10 device connections, and easy-to-use apps.
  8. PureVPN: Top-tier performance and sleek, well-designed apps capable of accessing just about every major streaming platform.
  9. ProtonVPN: No-logs VPN offering exceptionally high speeds and dozens of Malaysian servers.

Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Malaysia
Warning

Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

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How we chose the top VPNs for Malaysian residents and visitors

Getting a VPN subscription can cause a headache because there are many competing services to pick from. However not all VPNs offer the same quality or level of service. This makes it easy to end up with an inferior service, but we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you. When we searched for the best VPNs for Malaysia, we looked for ones that met the following criteria.

  • Speed and stability of service
  • Large network of servers across the world for expatriates to unblock content
  • Strong encryption parameters to minimize the chances of data loss
  • Ease of use with customer support should you run into problems
  • Allows multiple simultaneous connections
  • Keeps no logs of user activity

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

The best VPNs for Malaysia: at a glance

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

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPureVPNProton VPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateInternetAccess.comPureVPN.comprotonvpn.com
Ranking for Malaysia:12345678
Streaming ReliabilityExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentGoodGoodGoodGood
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps400 Mbps100+ Mbps
Total number of servers6,000+3,2002,200+Undisclosed11,000+Undisclosed6,500+3,800
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months
$2.19
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan
$2.14
82% off the 2-yr standard plan + 3 free months
$3.59
Up to 64% off a 2-year plan

The best VPNs for Malaysia

At Comparitech, we never recommend a VPN that we haven’t tested personally. We put all of the VPNs through a rigorous testing process, and the following reviews are the results of our first-hand experiences.

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

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Oct 2024 Works In MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number one VPN choice for Malaysia. This veteran company operates over 6,000 servers in 110+ countries, making it a perfect choice for protecting your web activity. Several of these servers are located within Malaysia, so residents traveling abroad can use the service to watch content from back home. The provider also works with many international streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and it supports torrenting.

NordVPN is one of the few services that separates its servers according to specialty. It has some specifically for double VPN, Tor over VPN, and dedicated IP, guaranteeing fast speeds and strong encryption. Nord VPN uses the 256-bit AES encryption protocol by default and 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is also enabled. These are some of the strongest protocols out there, meaning you don’t need to worry about any data leaks. There’s also a no-logs policy that has thwarted attempts by government agencies to sniff out its user data.

It has been in the VPN business for over a decade and continues to improve its already excellent service. Nord recently increased its device allowance from six to ten and added over 50 countries to its server network. In addition, it has added new features, including Meshnet, which allows you to access and connect other devices safely, and Threat Protection for an added level of security.

There are apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android and 24/7 live customer support should you need it.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 73% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months

Pros:

  • Large network with several Malaysian servers
  • Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
  • Can connect 10 devices at once with the basic package
  • Top-tier encryption standards with DNS leak protection
  • Far faster than most of its rivals
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Can only choose to connect to a location, not a server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR MALAYSIA:NordVPN is our top pick. With an extensive range of servers, including a few in Malaysia, this is a good all-rounder option that works with Netflix and most other streaming services. There are great privacy and security features like double VPN and Tor over VPN servers. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.

Read our in-depth review of NordVPN here, or check out the video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries, including Malaysia. It boasts strong streaming ability and has no problem securely accessing services like TV1, Netflix US, or Hulu from abroad. However, the thing that really sets this VPN apart is that it doesn’t restrict the number of connected devices you can have. As such, you can secure every device you own with just one account.

This service puts major emphasis on your security. It hides your activities from snoopers using a kill switch, protection against DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. You can also block ads and malware automatically or turn on NoBorders mode to bypass country-wide internet censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and you can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. 24/7 customer support is on-hand over live chat in case of any problems.

Surfshark apps are available for macOS, Android, Windows, iOS, and Linux systems. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on your wireless router.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Servers in 100+ countries, including Malaysia
  • Decent speeds and great unblocking potential for streaming
  • Strong focus on security
  • Zero-logs provider
  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

  • Has the occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark might be a security-first VPN but it remains affordable and can unblock a wide range of streaming services from abroad. With no connection limit, you can protect all your devices simultaneously. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here, or check out our video review below.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is a strong VPN for Malaysia. It checks all the boxes for speed and unblocking while also being mindful of maintaining user privacy and anonymity. The only time it stores any details is when an account is created for the first time. After that, your activity is hidden – this includes things like session history and choice of servers.

IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048 key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. This means that hackers can’t decrypt past data to glean your internet history, even if your account is compromised.

There’s an internet kill switch included, which means the company will temporarily block all traffic to and from your device if the connection drops. The VPN servers are optimized for speed and stability, and there are over 2,000 of them spread across 75 locations worldwide, including Malaysia. That means a suitable connection is never far from reach.

IPVanish is popular with torrenters because it permits torrenting on all servers. Many users also find it particularly good for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse. There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS. And as abonus, you can connect all your devices simultaneously.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Operates fast servers in Malaysia
  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Keeps no logs on user activities and has solid security settings
  • Standout favorite for Fire TV Stick and Kodi users
  • Allows torrenting

Cons:

  • No live customer support, email, and ticket support only
  • Apps don’t work in China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

FAST SERVERS IN MALAYSIA:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Great for families. It works well in Malaysia and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of IPVanish here, or check out the video review below.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN offers a sturdy combination of effectively uncrackable encryption, reliable speeds, and efficient connections. The design is clean and minimalist, and the service works without any fuss.

ExpressVPN offers possible connections to over 3,000 servers spread across 100 countries, including some in Malaysia. It’s an ideal choice for foreign expatriates living in the country and residents trying to unlock local content. ExpressVPN works effortlessly with Netflix. It’s also compatible with Hulu and BBC iPlayer and supports torrents.

The company has a stated policy of not storing any traffic logs whatsoever. However, there is some metadata retention – specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used. It’s important to note that your IP address won’t be logged, so there’s no way of your web activity being traced back to you. At the same time, it’s possible to sign up via a burner email account and pay with Bitcoin to maintain anonymity.

Encryption protocols are similarly robust – the service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC, utilizing both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch temporarily halts all web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly.

There are apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows, Linux,  and macOS.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • Top-class security and privacy protection features
  • Real streaming ability
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come as cheap as other providers on this list
  • Doesn’t offer many customizable features

Our score:

4 out of 5

STREAM SECURELY ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a great choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. It is hard to beat on privacy and security, and it unblocks streaming sites that other VPNs struggle with. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee too.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is ideal for beginners looking for a fast, reliable connection with a simple interface and a wide selection of servers. There are over 10,000 servers spread across 100+ countries, including more than 30 servers in Malaysia. The company also operates a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. That means it passes the test of stringent encryption. There’s protection against IP leaks and an internet kill switch included, which means web traffic will stop if the connection drops.

You’ll find CyberGhost apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox extensions are also available and you can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections if you manually configure CyberGhost with a compatible router.

CyberGhost speed test data

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!

Pros:

  • Operates a network of more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including 30+ in Malaysia
  • Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested
  • Easy to use, select activity type and be connected to the most appropriate server
  • Solid privacy features, including a kill-switch
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work in China
  • Maybe less suitable for power users

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost has a simple setup as well as great privacy and security. It has a vast server network, is reliable in Malaysia, and comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access has a large network, with servers in 90+ countries, including Malaysia. Its high speeds make it ideal for almost any day-to-day task, from streaming your favorite shows to torrenting, and with no connection limits whatsoever, users are free to protect every device they own with a single account. You’re unlikely to have any problems, but just in case, support staff are standing by, ready to help 24/7 over live chat.

This VPN’s security toolkit includes 256-bit encryption (with the option to reduce this for faster speeds), a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There are a few more advanced options too, such as the ability to use a different port or change DNS servers. Private Internet Access follows a strict no-logging policy, a fact that has been verified by independent auditors. 

PIA has its own iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux apps. If you’d like to install it directly on your router, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

Private Internet Access speed test data

No valuePrivate Internet Access
WebsitePrivateInternetAccess.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)93 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)58 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)200 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Speedy and versatile
  • Allows unlimited connections
  • Strong focus on security

Cons:

  • Website’s support section could use an update
  • Some outdated info in forums and support documentation

Our score:

4 out of 5

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:PIA can handle just about everything so it’s a great option for anyone hoping to secure their connection in Malaysia. All plans include 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still, have questions? Find answers in our complete PIA review.

Private Internet Access Coupon
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7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a reliable and fast VPN provider that offers a high level of security and privacy. It has servers in 63 countries, including Malaysia, so you can access geo-restricted content anywhere. In addition, PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a feature called Perfect Forward Secrecy that changes your encryption key every 60 minutes to prevent hackers from decrypting your data.

PrivateVPN also has a kill switch that cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops, leak protection that prevents your DNS and IPv6 requests from being exposed, and Tor support that allows you to browse onion sites with an extra layer of anonymity.

In addition, PrivateVPN supports torrenting on all servers and works well with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. PrivateVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a friendly customer support team to help you with any issues. If you are looking for a VPN that works well in Malaysia and offers excellent value for money, PrivateVPN is a good choice.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Operated from Sweden, which is outside of the Five Eyes area
  • Streaming speeds are good enough for HD
  • Can connect up to ten devices simultaneously

Cons:

  • Live chat isn’t 24/7
  • Could do with a larger network

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STREAMING POWERHOUSE:PrivateVPN has decent server coverage, excellent streaming capabilities, an intuitive app library, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is a solid choice for anyone looking to browse the internet safely during a trip to Malaysia. It operates more than 6,000 servers worldwide (spanning 65 countries) and delivers some of the highest speeds we’ve seen. What’s more, it can securely access a wide range of streaming platforms, from Netflix to BBC iPlayer. Its apps are beginner-friendly and allow up to 10 simultaneous connections. Support staff are available 24 hours per day over live chat (though sometimes they take a minute or two to respond).

This service keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption and industry-approved connection protocols. It prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks automatically, and since there’s a built-in kill switch, you’ll never accidentally perform sensitive tasks unprotected. PureVPN has been audited four times and does not keep any logs of your activities. It blocks trackers automatically as well, though confusingly, this feature only works if you choose the Plus or Max subscription. That’s a bit of a shame since it’s fairly unusual for providers to limit functionality for paying customers.

PureVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, users can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on their home router.

Pros:

  • One of the quickest VPNs around
  • Strong security without much setup needed
  • Can help you regain access to your favorite services abroad

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have any Malaysian servers
  • We’d rather tracker-blocking was included as standard

Our score:

4 out of 5

HIGH PERFORMANCE:PureVPN is a fast and secure service with an expansive network. Not only that, it prioritizes ease of use and excels at beating regional restrictions.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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9. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN Works in MalaysiaTested Oct 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.protonvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN operates nearly 4,000 servers in 85 countries, with more than 30 in Malaysia. Better still, it’s faster than many of its rivals, with average speeds exceeding 300 Mbps. As such, this is a strong choice for anyone hoping to stream their favorite shows while on vacation. Of course, it’s also suitable for torrenting, video calling, and playing online games securely. It boasts a generous 10-connection limit, 24/7 customer support, and the ability to block ads automatically.

We’re big fans of this VPN’s security offering. It supports multiple protocols, uses effectively uncrackable encryption, and blocks trackers by default. There are a few additional tools as well, such as a kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling functionality, and port forwarding. Most importantly, ProtonVPN has a no-logs policy which means it couldn’t reveal details of your activities even if threatened with legal action. Anyone hoping for a higher level of privacy can use the multi-hop Secure Core servers and sign up anonymously by paying in Bitcoin or cash.

ProtonVPN has apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. Further, its website provides manual installation instructions just in case you’d like to install it on a router instead.

Pros:

  • Two dozen high-speed Malaysian servers
  • High level of customization
  • Exceptionally versatile

Cons:

  • A tad more expensive than some of its competitors
  • Secure Core servers could be slightly faster

Our score:

4 out of 5

SAFE AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is a no-logs provider with plenty to offer. Its high speeds and powerful security tools make it ideal for international travelers or even just those looking to enhance their online privacy.

Why not check out our ProtonVPN review?

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How to use a VPN in Malaysia

Don’t worry, even if you’ve never used a VPN before, getting set up is easy. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be browsing securely in no time.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Malaysia:

  1. Choose your favorite VPN provider from our list of recommendations. NordVPN is our top choice.
  2. Register an account and add your payment information.
  3. Download the relevant apps for each of your devices.
  4. Open the VPN app and log in using your registration information, usually an email address and password.
  5. Select a server in your preferred location. For example, you would need a server in Malaysia to connect to Malaysian services from outside the country. Or a server in the US to access American Netflix. Any server will work for privacy, but the closer a server is, the better speeds you will have.
  6. That’s it! A successful connection notification will appear, and now your browsing is completely safe and secure.
  7. If you struggle to access certain websites or services, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s customer service team for more help.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Malaysia

At Comparitech, we test dozens of market-leading VPNs. These tests allow us to confidently recommend VPNs for Malaysia that have all the privacy and security features you need. Below, we have included a list of features we looked for while curating this list of recommendations.

  • Global server network: We check each VPN to ensure it has a fast network of servers around the globe. We test those servers to ensure that they provide fast enough speeds for streaming, and we look to see whether it has specialist servers for streaming and torrenting. In addition, we look for servers in Malaysia to ensure you can use local services with added privacy or from abroad.
  • Apps for all platforms: The best VPNs have apps for all devices so that you can use the VPN at home or on public wifi. Our recommended VPNs for Malaysia have apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Firestick devices, and VPN-compatible routers. Some also have browser extensions for Firestick, Chrome, and Edge.
  • Robust security: We test each VPN app for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure that it is providing the security it claims. We also check the VPN protocols and only recommend services that have robust AES encryption. Finally, we look for additional security features such as a kill switch and obfuscation to ensure the VPN has everything you need to stay safe in Malaysia.
  • Advanced features: For a VPN to be useful and versatile, it should have a wide range of features. We look for additional things such as split tunneling, port forwarding, Smart DNS, malware protection, ad blocking, and multi-hop connections. Each VPN differs slightly, so use our summaries and reviews to find the VPN for Malaysia you need.
  • Excellent customer care: Whether you are a long-time user or somebody new to VPNs, having a reliable customer service department to communicate with is extremely useful. We only recommend VPNs that provide email and live chat support, as well as plenty of helpful resources on their website.
  • Exceptional accessibility: We test each VPN to ensure it can provide access to popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. We also check that it has servers in and around Malaysia to access local services such as internet banking or Malaysian TV services (TV3, TV9, and TV1).

Want to know more? Check out our article detailing our scientific VPN testing methodology.

Using a free VPN in Malaysia

There are many free VPNs on the internet, but their speed and encryption standards aren’t up to scratch with paid options. A prime example of this is HolaVPN, which has a free package but can pose a risk to users.

Free VPNs usually monetize by bombarding you with invasive advertisements, inserting tracking cookies and selling your data, or by unwittingly turning your computer into a massive botnet army. The threat of a malware infection is also real, which can lead to widespread data loss.

In short, we recommend avoiding free VPNs. Instead, some of the VPNs listed in this article offer free trials, and all of them have a money-back guarantee, which you can use to test out the service before committing to it.

Using a VPN in Malaysia: FAQs

Is using a VPN illegal in Malaysia?

There are no specific regulations that prohibit the use of a VPN in Malaysia. In fact, VPNs are quite common in Malaysia, particularly for security-conscious businesses that tend to supply one to all employees. This means that you don’t have to worry about breaking the law for wanting to bypass content restrictions or secure your internet connection. Just keep in mind that although using a VPN isn’t illegal, particular internet activities are.

How do I access porn in Malaysia?

Internet regulators in Malaysia take a hardline stance on pornographic content, with access to such material generally banned throughout the country. Some torrenting websites are also blocked, although bans are not nearly as stringent as those on adult content.

Using a VPN for porn will hide your actual location from Malaysian ISPs. To access such content, all you have to do is register for one of the VPNs in this list, log on, select a server outside of Malaysia – preferably in the US or Europe, where there are no existing restrictions in place – and browse normally.

How free is the internet in Malaysia?

There are serious limits to content if you try to access the web from a Malaysian IP address, and internet freedom is almost non-existent. Many blogs, news sites, and social media profiles have been closed after facing accusations of criticizing the government.

Because of these facts, Malaysia’s internet has been ranked as “partly free” by the advocacy body Freedom House. That’s despite the fact that over 84% of the Malaysian population are internet users. The same report adds that press freedoms are “not free”, highlighting the muzzling of bloggers and journalists as the reason behind this status. These numbers are backed by our findings in our annual internet censorship report.

Back in 2016, the Malaysian government reneged on pledges never to censor the web and proceeded to block several websites that had reported on Prime Minister Najib Razzak’s corruption scandals. Online news site The Malaysian Insider went out of business as a direct consequence of this decision.

Efforts by Malaysian authorities to expand internet access throughout the country have certainly borne fruit, with a focus on affordable smartphones in rural areas. But this has also led to greater political awareness and criticism of public officials – developments that the Malaysian government is extremely wary of.

At the same time, authorities are vying for even more sweeping powers of censorship. There are plans to strengthen both the Official Secret Act and the Communication & Multimedia Act, which would place more control over news sites, ISPs, and ordinary users. There could likely be more surveillance of the web in the future.

Related: How to blog anonymously: a guide for activists, whistleblowers, and journalists

Which VPNs have servers in Malaysia?

If you’re specifically trying to get a Malaysian IP address (for instance, to access Malaysian streaming sites or banking services), you’ll need a VPN that actually has servers in the country.

The good news is that while Malaysian servers aren’t as in demand as those in the US or Europe, plenty of VPN providers still offer them. These include NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN, all of which come with a risk-free money-back guarantee.

A Malaysian IP address allows you to unblock specific websites or streaming content otherwise unavailable to you. A VPN is the quickest and easiest way to get an IP address for Malaysia, with the whole process taking just a few minutes.

Using a VPN won’t only change your IP address; it will also ensure that your connection is protected as you browse. This means unlocking a world of new content with no risk to your personal or financial information.

Can I watch Disney Plus in Malaysia with a VPN?

Disney Plus is available in Malaysia, but content may be limited when compared to other locations like The USA and The UK. So if you want to enjoy unlimited Disney Plus in Malaysia, a VPN is a smart idea.

Alternatively, you may want to enjoy specific Disney Plus movies or shows that are only available in Malaysia, and a VPN works for this too. You will need a VPN with reliable servers designed for streaming if you want to watch Malaysian TV abroad, so always consider speed and connection strength before making your choice.

Can a VPN access torrent websites in Malaysia?

Yes. Using a VPN is the best way to get around restrictions imposed by ISPs. By connecting to a VPN server in a country where torrent sites are available, you can easily gain access to those resources in Malaysia. Best of all, a VPN provides an encrypted tunnel for your data and prevents your ISP from knowing you are accessing and downloading torrent sites. This ensures that your online habits remain completely private.

How do I access TikTok in Malaysia with a VPN?

If you want to access TikTok privately in Malaysia, you can use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data to ensure that your ISP and the government cannot track your online habits. This allows you to use TikTok without anybody monitoring you. In addition, a VPN conceals your IP address from TikTok’s servers, which provides additional privacy from the service.

To use a VPN with TikTok in Malaysia, all you need to do is subscribe to a VPN from this guide. Following that, install the VPN onto your device and connect to a server to establish a secure tunnel. Once the VPN connection is established, download and launch TikTok to use it securely.

Which VPNs to avoid using in Malaysia?

Due to the political situation in Malaysia, it is essential to stick to services that provide high levels of data privacy. With this in mind, we recommend steering clear of free VPNs that have weak privacy policies and a lack of security features. 

A VPN for Malaysia must also have servers located locally. This will allow you to get fast speeds and to use local Malaysian services without being monitored by your ISP. Unfortunately, few VPNs have servers in Malaysia, which is why it is better to stick to our recommendations.

Below, we have included a list of VPNs that are known to be insecure and unreliable. These VPNs should be avoided because they have all been found to suffer from vulnerabilities, leaks, or to have concerning privacy policies.

  1. ExpatSurfer
  2. Earth VPN
  3. Betternet VPN
  4. Onavo Protect
  5. Cryptostorm VPN
  6. Faceless.me
  7. Liberty VPN
  8. Hola
  9. VPN Secure
  10. Zenmate