Best VPN Syria

Syria has some of the most repressive internet censorship in the world, with widespread surveillance and prison terms for anyone spreading “false news”. In fact, it received a score of zero in Freedom House’s 2020 report, and has barely improved since. As such, we strongly recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep yourself safe and hide your online activities from the Syrian government.

VPNs encrypt your internet connection, rendering your traffic unreadable to anyone who might be watching. They also change your IP address, making it harder to trace your activities back to you. As user data is sent through a server elsewhere in the world, VPNs can help you access sites that are normally blocked in Syria, such as human rights organizations and sources of unbiased information like Wikipedia.

Here’s a brief guide to our top VPNs for Syria. Scroll down for a more detailed review of each.

The best VPNs for Syria:

  1. NordVPN: The #1 VPN for Syria. Offers lightning-fast speeds, a proven no-logs policy, and servers designed to provide online freedom in countries with extreme censorship. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN to use in Syria. Has plenty of advanced features, no simultaneous connection limit, and 24/7 customer support.
  3. ExpressVPN: Uses automatic obfuscation to prevent the Syrian government to see what you get up to online. Quick, reliable, and available on all platforms.
  4. CyberGhost: A reputable VPN service with first-class performance and a strict no-logging policy. Can reliably access most geo-blocked sites from abroad.
  5. IPVanish: Zero-logs provider that can secure every device you own. Beginner-friendly apps and around-the-clock support via live chat.
  6. PrivateVPN: Goes above and beyond to keep your online activities private. Doesn’t keep logs, and offers a stealth mode that’s ideal for Syrian users.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully featured, risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Syria with no restrictions for a month—great if you need time to test if it’s the right VPN for you.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for Syria: 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 Syria.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Syria:123456
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Activity logsNoneNoneNo identifying dataNo identifying dataNo logs storedNone
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Total number of servers6,000+3,200Undisclosed11,000+2,200+200+
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Best VPNs for Syria

Activists face violence, imprisonment, or worse, so there’s no room for error here. Our experts carefully considered the most important features to ensure that we only recommend services capable of keeping your activities hidden while in Syria. Here are a few of our must-have criteria:

  • Uses uncrackable encryption
  • Doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you
  • Can beat Syrian internet restrictions
  • Provides high-speed servers in multiple countries
  • Permits multiple simultaneous connections
  • Offers apps for all major platforms
  • Lets you speak to support staff directly if any problems arise

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. 

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

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Syria. It’s based in Panama, a country with no mandatory-data retention laws, and has proven its no-logs claims with multiple independent audits. There are more than 5,000 high-speed servers spread across 60 countries, but we recommend using the obfuscated servers, which were expressly designed to beat repressive digital censorship.

Key features include 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Additionally, NordVPN blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically. This service accepts three forms of cryptocurrency and even gift cards, so it’s easy to sign up anonymously. Live chat is available at all times and in our experience, staff are more than happy to help resolve any issues you might have.

Apps are available for IOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. There are also browser extensions and manual setup instructions in case you’d like to install it on your router. A basic plan allows for up to six simultaneous connections.

Pros:

  • Expansive server network
  • Excellent unblocking ability
  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
  • Proven no-logs policy
  • Strong security and privacy protocols
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have many obfuscated servers in the Middle East

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR SYRIA:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Combines fast speeds, numerous security features, a wide server network and exceptional unblocking capability. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for Syrian internet users. It has servers in 100 countries, far more than most of its rivals, and delivers very high speeds. More importantly, this VPN has been audited to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs. In addition to 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, it offers a few more powerful features. For instance, there’s automatic tracker-blocking and the ability to change your IP address periodically.

Our team found that Surfshark was able to reliably access most geo-blocked sites without any problems. As such, it’s a great choice for human rights activists, journalists, or anyone trying to communicate anonymously with people back home. Support is available 24/7 over live chat and best of all, Surfshark doesn’t have a simultaneous connection limit.

Surfshark has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, and Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for use with compatible routers, however.

Pros:

  • Lots of server locations
  • Very fast speeds
  • Excels at beating strict online restrictions
  • Plenty of features, including an ad and malware blocker
  • Unlimited devices

Cons:

  • Some features (such as a private search engine) cost extra

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VALUE VPN FOR SYRIA:Surfshark is the best budget VPN. Fast, reliable, and security-conscious, with servers in 100 countries. Doesn’t keep logs and allows unlimited devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a novice-friendly service that’s perfect for first-time VPN users. Your internet traffic is secured by 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, plus malicious websites are blocked without you having to do anything. What’s more, ExpressVPN can tell if you’re in a country with repressive censorship and will turn on obfuscation automatically to keep your activities hidden.

This VPN has a strict no-logs policy. We know this for sure because it’s been verified by independent experts. There’s also around-the-clock customer support over live chat, and the website has detailed setup instructions in case the apps stop working while you’re in Syria. Up to eight simultaneous connections are permitted on monthly plans, but this increases to 10 if you sign up for a year or more.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. This is the only major VPN with its own router firmware, making it as easy as possible to protect your whole home network.

Pros:

  • High-speed connections
  • Strong security features
  • Anonymous registration possible
  • Great for streaming
  • Knowledgable 24/7 live chat customer support

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers on monthly plans

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

HIGHLY RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is strong in all areas with fast speeds, comprehensive security and excellent customer service. It even acincludes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is another strong choice for anyone looking to keep their online activities hidden. There are more than 90 server locations to choose from, including some that are physically located in the company’s Romanian headquarters, far out of reach of the Syrian authorities. Crucially, this VPN doesn’t keep any logs and has been repeatedly audited to prove it. It also publishes regular transparency reports that reveal how many legal requests it has received each quarter.

Apps include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks but that’s only the beginning. There’s also tracker-blocking, the option to connect over a random port, and smart rules that you can customize to have the service connect automatically in certain situations. Support staff are ready to help, day or night, over live chat.

CyberGhost is availabkle on Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, or MacOS. A single subscription allows for seven devices to connect concurrently.

Pros:

  • Fast enough for any task
  • Vast server network in 90+ countries
  • Easy for beginners to use
  • One-click unblocking built-in

Cons:

  • Syrian users may experience intermittent slowdown or blockages unless they manually configure their connection

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

FAST SPEEDS:CyberGhost is secure, fast and inexpensive. It’s very easy to use, even if you’re not very tech savvy. 45-day money back guarantee included.

Read our full user review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has over 2,000 servers in around 60 countries and can protect every device you own simultaneously. More importantly, it follows a strict no-logs policy and can obfuscate your traffic (though only on OpenVPN connections for the time being). Thanks to its uncrackable 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and kill switch, you can browse safely without worrying about who might be monitoring your activities.

This service has spent a great deal of effort to improve its unblocking ability lately. It now works with a ton of geo-restricted platforms, though you may have to manually configure your connection if you’re browsing from a country with strict censorship. Still, support staff are happy to help with any issues, and you can reach out at any time using the 24/7 live chat service.

IPVanish offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Manual setup is needed for Linux systems and routers.

Pros:

  • High speeds
  • No connection limit
  • Apps for a wide range of systems
  • 24/7 live chat available

Cons:

  • Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
  • Struggles to beat restrictions in some Middle Eastern countries

Our score:

4 out of 5

PROTECT YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish has high speeds and a few unique security features, making it ideal for those who often use multiple devices to access the internet frequently. 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN focuses on delivering quality over quantity which means the server offering is relatively tiny – with around 200 servers in 60+ locations. However, these are all owned and hosted by the company, meaning no other organization ever has access to your traffic. What’s more, PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs and offers a stealth mode specifically designed with beating censorship in mind.

Users can take advantage of 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and leak protection, but there aren’t a ton of other security options to configure. On the plus side, this service works with a ton of stubborn geo-blocked platforms including NBC, BBC iPlayer, and more, giving you plenty of ways to access unbiased information while in Syria. A basic plan allows for 10 devices to connect at the same time.

The provider offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

Pros:

  • Faster than most similar VPNs
  • Able to unblock stubborn streaming services
  • Anonymous sign up available

Cons:

  • Fewer servers than its rivals
  • Live chat support is not quite 24/7

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

FAST STREAMING:PrivateVPN is fast, reliable, and puts your privacy first. Strong unblocking ability and privacy tools plus a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

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How to use a VPN in Syria

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

Here’s how to use a VPN for Syria in simple steps:

  1. Decide on a provider that meets your requirements. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Once you’ve made up your mind, simply sign up with your credit card information. Some providers also accept PayPal, Bitcoin, and other payment methods.
  3. Download the relevant apps for your device directly from the provider’s site.
  4. Restart all devices once installation is complete.
  5. Open your VPN app and use it to connect to a server of your choice – e.g., if you just want to browse securely, opt for a location close by; if you want a US IP address, connect to a server in the US.
  6. Congratulations; your internet activity is now private and secure! If you’re struggling to connect, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache before reloading the page.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Syria

The situation in Syria remains extremely volatile, with many websites inaccessible. Further, journalists frequently face violent retaliation for reporting on the country’s ongoing conflict. For this reason, not just any VPN will do. Here are the key areas we focused on when finding the best VPNs to use in Syria:

  • Security tools: Your safety is our top priority. That’s why our top picks had to include 256-bit encryption (which is effectively uncrackable), a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. We strongly prefer services with stealth modes, tracker-blocking, and obfuscation features.
  • Privacy protections: It’s vital your VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. This prevents them from revealing what you do online, even in the face of legal pressure. Ideally, services would have undergone third-party audits to prove their privacy claims, and provide at least one anonymous payment method.
  • Performance: We’ve run hundreds of speed tests and can confidently say that the services above are quick enough and reliable enough for anything you have in mind.  
  • Multi-platform support: Users must be able to browse safely on any device, from Android phones to desktop PCs. We also require providers to offer manual setup instructions, since updates to the government’s censorship tools may temporarily stop VPN apps from working properly.
  • Ease of use: Digital privacy should be available to everyone. As such, we prefer VPNs with high connection limits, beginner-friendly apps, and quality of life features such as automatic obfuscation.
  • Pricing: Our goal is to keep you safe, not to profit from a difficult situation. Our experts will never recommend services that overcharge, and will always let you know if there’s a free trial, money-back guarantee, or long-term discount.

We perform rigorous testing before we recommend any VPN. To find out more, read our full VPN testing process post.

Using a VPN in Syria: FAQs

How do I blog safely in Syria?

News organizations, as well as the general public around the world, depend on citizen journalists and bloggers for firsthand information regarding ongoing events in Syria. However, those relaying information could become targets of the state or rebel groups. Therefore, it may be in your best interests to obfuscate your identity while trying to blog safely in Syria.

Using a VPN can help, obviously. But for a detailed, step-by-step process, we encourage you to read our guide to blogging safely.

Can I access Netflix libraries in Syria?

Netflix does not actually operate in Syria due to US government restrictions. Therefore, if you’re an international development worker living in the country for work, you won’t be allowed access to the service if you log in with a Syrian IP address. The only way to access Netflix is if you install a VPN first. The largest library of Netflix content is available in the US, but you can access other Netflix catalogs by connecting to the appropriate VPN server.

If you try to use a VPN that doesn’t support Netflix, then you’ll probably be shown a proxy error message. It’s better to opt for one on our recommended list instead. Most of them work with Netflix, but it’s a good idea to check with customer support in case you run into any problems.

Are VPNs legal in Syria?

VPNs actually aren’t against the law in Syria, although the government has previously blocked OpenVPN, L2TP, and IPSec traffic, meaning some older services may no longer be usable in the country.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice. We encourage you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to use a VPN in Syria.

Which websites are blocked in Syria?

Syria’s government routinely censors, restricts access to, and takes down content without justification. There’s no exhaustive list, and something that’s blocked today may be available in the future. In the past, internet users in Syria have been unable to view the websites of:

  • Opposition political parties
  • Human rights organizations
  • Independent news sources
  • Services that promote the free exchange of information, such as Wikipedia
  • Adult content
  • Any website with an Israeli domain (.li)
  • Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook
  • Western-run services like Google, Amazon, and iTunes

Do any free VPNs work in Syria?

Syria’s internet is under strict surveillance by state authorities. For users looking to enjoy unfettered access, it’s crucial to opt for a VPN provider that delivers top-tier levels of privacy, encryption, and speeds so that government blockades are sidestepped without any problems. Free VPNs, unfortunately, won’t deliver on this promise.

Most free VPN providers attempt to build a bare-bones product that barely gets the job done. This helps lure unsuspecting users and allows the company to monetize its service via advertisements or frequent upgrade requests. Free VPNs won’t offer you the same levels of customer support, encryption, and speed that their top-rated competitors will. Instead, be prepared to endure wait times to connect to a server, bandwidth throttling, and sharply reduced speeds.

What’s more, there are examples of free VPN services with questionable ethics; some have engaged in acts like leveraging user bandwidth to build botnet armies and infecting host devices with malware in order to mine data. We believe it’s in your best interests to avoid using free VPNs when browsing the internet.

Why should I use a VPN in Syria?

Syria is one of the only countries in the world to have a negative score in Freedom House’s “Political rights” category AND a single-digit score for “Civil liberties.” The report goes on to mention that torture, enforced disappearances, and military trials are common, and that’s in areas controlled by the government.

Internet users are constantly scrutinized for signs of dissent, and the government has previously blocked social media sites and VoIP services, making it extremely difficult to let people in other countries know what’s going on in Syria.

These limitations create an extremely dangerous set of circumstances for anyone who goes against the government. We strongly recommend using a VPN to protect yourself if you’re a human rights activist, politician, journalist, or lawyer in Syria.