6 Best VPNs for Israel: Navigating online restrictions in 2024

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. These restrictions sometimes call for a VPN 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. All of the VPN providers we recommend have servers in Israel that will let you hide your real IP address so that you browse the web and watch Israeli TV channels 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.

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for Israel. Blazing fast speeds, zero logs, and strong security. Works with Netflix and many other streaming websites as well as Israeli TV channels. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Israel.
2. Surfshark: Best budget choice. A no-logs policy and powerful security features make this service ideal for users in Israel. Unlimited simultaneous connections are allowed.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast, secure connections that work with Netflix and other streaming sites. Has server locations in Israel. 24/7 live chat support and apps for all kinds of devices.
4. CyberGhost: Easy to use with fast speeds and the ability to securely access Israeli content from anywhere in the world. Particularly good for streaming sites.
5. IPVanish: Secure VPN with strong security features, decent speeds, and zero logs. A good all-round option for browsing and bypassing geo-blocks on Israeli content.
6. Private Internet Access: Connect to servers in 80 countries. Secure up to 10 devices at once. Good speeds and works with Netflix US.

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

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

• Excellent connection speeds for HD streaming
• Advanced security features including strong encryption
• A strict no-logs policy for complete online privacy
• Can securely access a wide range of content and online services, including Israeli TV Channels
• A great server infrastructure with plenty of international servers
• Apps for Android, iOS, and any other streaming device

The best VPNs for Israel – 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 Israel.

The best Israel VPNs

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

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top pick for an Israel VPN. It boasts a true zero-logs policy, which means it holds no data about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps of any nature. The company operates 5,100+ servers in 60 countries, including more than a dozen in Israel. What’s more, NordVPN pegs some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. It’s able to securely access Netflix and works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and tons of other sites. 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 VPN FOR ISRAEL:NordVPN is our first choice. Superfast servers, solid security, and privacy, and works reliably in Israel. Use up to 6 devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

Surfshark operates more than 3,000 servers across 60+ countries (including Israel). As such, it’s a strong choice for users looking to access Israeli content while abroad, or those who simply want to bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark provides generally decent speeds and works well with 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. 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.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark makes it easy to browse privately at all times. It offers unlimited connections, a wide range of advanced security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

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. ExpressVPN is also able to securely access Netflix. It’s compatible with both Hulu and BBC iPlayer as well and supports torrenting.

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. Desktop apps include a kill switch, which means all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

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

BROWSE SECURELY:ExpressVPN is a solid alternative. Optimized for high-speed connections. Scores high above its rivals for geo-restricted content. Hard to beat on privacy and security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

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 7,000 servers are spread across 90 countries in the world, including 30+ servers in Israel so accessing local content shouldn’t be an issue.

The VPN service works well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and similar services. 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.

5. IPVanish

Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

IPVanish keeps 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 1,900 of them are spread across 75 worldwide locations in 60 countries, including eight in Israel.

IPVanish can help you securely stream Netflix and similar services. 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 any number of connected devices. Can’t access as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. Private Internet Access

Works in IsraelTested Apr 2024

Private Internet Access provides access to servers in some 80+ countries, allowing you to bypass a whole host of geographic restrictions. Indeed, this VPN worked with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer in testing. Our speed tests revealed an average of 68 Mbps, making Private Internet Access suitable for streaming and torrenting. Unlike some poor-quality paid VPNs (and most free VPNs), there’s no bandwidth throttling.

The average VPN allows up to a handful of simultaneous connections, which makes the fact that PIA allows up to 10 all the more impressive. Security-wise, your data is kept secure regardless of whether you’re in Israel or traveling overseas. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch feature. In fact, there’s even a built-in ad blocker while your privacy is protected with a no-logs policy.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can even find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. When it comes to use with a wifi router, you’ll need to configure this manually.

SECURE 10 DEVICES:Private Internet Access has servers in over 80 countries and lets you secure up to 10 devices simultaneously. Secure browsing from Israel and abroad with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

---

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 watch Israeli TV while traveling 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 NordVPN.
2. Open the VPN app and select an Israeli VPN server. (Alternatively, if you’re an American visiting Israel, you could use a server in the US to access platforms like Hulu during your trip).
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 accessible. If not, try clearing your cookies and browser cache or contact your VPN’s customer support for help.

Note: The same method applies for accessing any other geo-blocked Israeli content and online services, like online banking or Government websites. 

Can I use a free VPN in Israel?

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

But however, 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.

What is the state of the internet in Israel?

The Israeli government has long touted itself as the only democracy in the Middle East, but that doesn’t mean it’s a libertarian utopia with zero government intervention in public life.

Advocacy body Freedom House also ranked press freedoms in Israel as “free” in 2021, which is an improvement over previous years. That said, it notes that media outlets and journalists are subject to military censorship – particularly when it comes to sensitive matters like the ongoing conflict with Palestinians.

Generally, internet users are free to express any opinion or belief without fear of repercussion, providing it doesn’t advocate for a boycott of Israel or stoke tensions. Still, you can be held without charge for four days if you’re suspected of certain security-related offenses. For peace of mind, we recommend you use a VPN while browsing the web in Israel.

Israel VPN FAQs