Best VPNs for Myanmar and some to avoid

Important: In 2021, the military overthrew the democratically-elected government of Myanmar and proceeded to ban VPN usage. However, with arbitrary arrests and state-backed violence increasingly common following the coup, it’s more important than ever to be able to communicate freely with those outside of the country. Still, we urge readers to seriously consider the potential consequences before using a VPN in Myanmar.

In the shadow of stringent surveillance and oppressive internet restrictions, Myanmar casts a somber silhouette on the digital landscape, earning a poignant “not-free” designation from the esteemed advocacy body – Freedom House. The nation grapples with a chilling reality: a military watchful of every online whisper, strategic internet blackouts amidst burgeoning protests, and punitive measures against the brave voices of dissent. With VPNs being widely employed by citizens despite the punitive prohibitions, there’s a tangible thirst for secure access to the digital world.

Our expert team at Comparitech has tested and researched the best VPNs for Myanmar. We understand the importance of safeguarding your online presence and ensuring that your digital expressions are free from scrutiny.

If you don’t want to read the rest of this article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Myanmar:

1. NordVPN: Best all-round VPN for Myanmar. Huge range of servers to choose from, blazing fast speeds, and strong security credentials. 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Myanmar.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Myanmar. This service has no connection limit and puts your privacy first. Good speeds, a large network, and fantastic unblocking ability.
3. ExpressVPN: Solid speeds, great security, and works with nearly all streaming services.
4. CyberGhost: Nearly 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. Fastest speeds and a very high level of security thanks to encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
5. VyprVPN: Owns its network of servers and has been audited as a ‘no logs’ VPN. Speeds are decent and security is airtight.

Our tested list of the best VPNs for Myanmar is based on the following factors:

Criteria for selecting the top VPNs for Myanmar

• Speed and stability of service
• Large network of servers across the world for expatriates to unblock content
• Strong encryption parameters to maintain privacy and anonymity
• Ease of use
• Apps for Android and iOS

Best VPNs for Myanmar

Based on our research, we found these to be the best VPNs for using in Myanmar.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for a Myanmar VPN. It’s been around for over a decade and is constantly improving its service. Speeds are exceptionally fast and privacy is second to none.

The company simply refrains from any sort of data retention which means it has zero information about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps. It’s also headquartered in Panama which means there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws it has to comply with.

The company encrypts internet traffic via the 256-bit AES protocol by default and uses 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection are available, and the company even offers its own speedy, privacy-focused protocol named NordLynx.

NordVPN operates more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries making it a worthy choice for whatever it is you want to do on the web. There are special servers for enhanced privacy, torrenting, or Tor over VPN. There are no servers in Myanmar but plenty of locations in the rest of Southeast Asia, as well as Europe and North America.

There’s support for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR MYANMAR:NordVPN is our first choice. It boasts incredible speeds, tight security, and great unblocking potential. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee making this a risk-free option.

Here’s our in-depth review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that blends speed and security to create a service that’s easy for beginners to pick up, yet complex enough to keep advanced users satisfied. Speeds vary from one server to another but you shouldn’t have any issues, even when making video calls.

This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and isn’t legally required to keep any logs. As a result, it only records aggregate connection data that can’t be used to identify you. Its security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a NoBorders mode specifically designed for private browsing in countries with widespread online censorship (like Myanmar).

Users can connect to over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, including some that route your traffic multiple times for even greater security.

Surfshark has apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It can also be manually installed on supported internet routers.

TOP BUDGET PICK:Surfshark is a great budget alternative. It offers decent speeds, lots of security extras, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers solid speeds coupled with military-grade encryption protocols. The interface is simple, the app is easy to set up, and there’s hardly any downtime.

When it comes to server locations, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint, having a large network of over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. There’s also an option for Myanmar, although the company doesn’t specify exactly how many servers it operates there. This means it’s easy for both foreign expatriates living in the country as well as citizens traveling abroad to access a variety of local services from back home.

ExpressVPN’s policy of not storing any traffic logs at all should ease privacy concerns. There’s a tiny amount of metadata retention – specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used. It’s important to note that your individual IP address won’t be logged.

ExpressVPN delivers again when judged on encryption protocols. It deploys 256-bit AES-CBC with the utilization of both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch temporarily halts all web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly, thus keeping you secure.

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

VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN operates servers in 94 countries and is great at unblocking. It uses string encryption and doesn’t log user-identifying data. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost stands out for its vast server network which now approaches 9,000 servers in all. You’ll find these servers in over 90 countries worldwide. This makes it that much easier to bypass the strict online censorship in Myanmar. We should also point out CyberGhost’s performance which is far superior to most VPNs on the market. Indeed, it’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested and it includes unlimited bandwidth.

Increased state surveillance in Myanmar makes a quality VPN all the more important. CyberGhost is one of the most secure VPNs you can use. It routes all of your internet traffic through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and even an ad blocker. You don’t need to worry about your browsing data being seen by anyone because CyberGhost operates a strict no-logs policy.

Secure as many as seven of your devices at once with CyberGhost’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual setup.

FASTEST SPEEDS:CyberGhost has high-speed connections for 4K streaming. Some 9,000 servers in over 90 countries. Can be used on 7 devices at the same time. Strict no-logs VPN with an ad blocker included. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is an excellent provider that’s been in business for a very long time. Its encryption standards are world class – the company manages to circumvent some of the most rigorous blockades that governments impose, including China’s Great Firewall. In other words, this VPN thwarts thousands of government engineers that work around the clock to ensure sensitive content remains at bay.

VyprVPN uses its own Chameleon protocol designed to keep your activities private at all times. It also boasts 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication. There’s an internet kill switch included, plus VyprVPN follows a zero-logs policy, meaning it can’t reveal what you do online under any circumstances.

VyprVPN owns and operates over 700 servers spread across the world.

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

VETERAN VPN:VyprVPN has been around long enough to prove it’s a worthy contender for many use cases, including a Myanmar VPN. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

How do I use a VPN in Myanmar?

In this section, we’ll take you through a few use cases. Follow these steps for a smooth and seamless experience.

Using a VPN in Myanmar

1. Browse through our recommended list of VPN services and decide on a plan that works for you
2. Register and pay for the service
3. Once that’s done, download the companion apps for your phone or computer
4. Clear your cookies and cache in all web browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer) to remove old location identifiers
5. Restart your device
6. Open the VPN app and log in
7. Select a server in the country where you’re trying to obtain an IP address such as the US or UK, or a local IP address in Myanmar if you’re traveling abroad
8. Allow a few seconds for the connection to be established. Once that’s done there should be a green notification icon in the taskbar
9. Browse the web like you normally would.

You’ll notice that host websites will assume your location is in the country you’re currently connected to. This will open up things like streaming media content and local online banking services.

Some VPNs to avoid completely

One of the caveats of using a VPN is the commitment by the service provider to safeguard privacy. The VPNs have valued this commitment and zealously guarded privacy but there are many out there that don’t behave so ethically. We recommend you avoid them.

Here are two examples of VPN providers that we think you should run away from:

1. HideMyAss

UK-based HideMyAss (HMA) has, on at least two separate occasions, been accused of handing over user data to law enforcement agencies.

In 2011 it was reported the company cooperated with the FBI in an investigation on the hack of Sony Pictures. The US law enforcement agency was able to identify and arrest culprit Cody Kretsinger, allegedly with the help of HMA. The budding hacker tried to use HMA in order to cover his tracks during the attack. What made matters worse was that HMA had an official ‘no-logs’ policy at the time.

In another incident, HideMyAss was liable for the arrest of former US district judge Chris Dupuy. The judge was accused of portraying two women as call girls – and using HMA in an attempt to maintain his anonymity. Law enforcement agencies got involved after the two women complained. Once they suspected the use of a VPN, the steps were traced back to HMA, which did the rest.

If HMA changes their logging policies we’ll update this article but for now, if you’re looking at another provider, here’s our list of alternatives to HideMyAss.

Related: HideMyAss VPN Review

2. HolaVPN

Israel-based Hola illegally leveraged its massive user base of almost 50 million users into a massive botnet. User bandwidth was scuppered to engage in things like Distributed Denial of Service attacks, promoting pirated content, and pornography.

It’s best if you avoid this shoddy VPN company.

Our Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Myanmar

Myanmar’s internet is tightly controlled and everything you do online is monitored by the state. For this reason, we decided to prioritize VPNs that go above and beyond to keep your identity a secret, as well as those capable of beating country-wide internet blocking. Here’s exactly what we looked for in our top VPNs for Myanmar:

• Security tools: We require effectively uncrackable encryption (256-bit AES or better), as well as protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. Ideally, there’d be support for newer protocols like WireGuard as these are faster, easier to audit, and less likely to have major unnoticed vulnerabilities.
• Privacy-enhancing features: The key thing is ensuring your VPN follows a no-logs policy. However, we also value those with anti-tracking features, and those that let you sign up anonymously by paying in cryptocurrency.
• Unblocking capabilities: A stealth mode is a must-have, since this will let you bypass the country’s online censorship and access services like Skype, Facebook, and Twitter, even if the military blocks them again.
• Speed and reliability: It’s not enough to have a VPN that works some of the time. We’ve only recommended the fastest, most consistent services so that you never have to compromise where your security is concerned.

To find out more, check out our full VPN testing process.

Myanmar 2023 internet freedoms update

As of late 2023, internet freedom in Myanmar continues to be severely repressed, particularly following the military coup in February 2021. The military has continued to enforce short-term, localized internet shutdowns to prevent opposition from organizing or sharing information. This unfortunately, restricts internet access for millions of users. A social media and VPN ban is in place.

The country’s last two foreign-owned telecommunications service providers, Telenor and Ooredoo, sold their Myanmar operations. This had the effect of leaving all providers under direct or indirect military control.

The Myanmar military has been closely monitoring online communications since the coup. They have implemented a nationwide biometric data system, which is seen as another effective way to surveil human rights defenders.

Browsing safely in Myanmar: Frequently Asked Questions