What is VPN?
A virtual private network extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
How To Get VPN In South Africa?
Choose a VPN service provider. We strongly recommend NordVPN for South Africa.
Download and install the VPN software for your device.
Clear your browser’s cookies.
Open the VPN app and select a server in South Africa.
You now have an IP address for South Africa!
The Best VPNs for South Africa
Our ranking of the best VPNs for South Africa is based on the following factors:
- Fast speed and reliable service
- Strong security and no logs
- Unblocks geo-restricted African content with ease
- Servers in South Africa for local residents traveling abroad
- Large number of servers across the world for foreign expatriates living in South Africa
We go into further details on the above criteria later in this article.
1. NordVPN
May 2022
APPS AVAILABLE:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN has a stellar reputation in the VPN business because it’s been around for over a decade and offers a product that packs a punch. It’s fast, doesn’t store any data, allows multiple VPN connections, and has a robust selection of servers.
NordVPN simply declines to hold any data about its users. This means there’s no metadata about browsing habits, timestamps, or choice of servers. The policy has thwarted attempts by authorities to force Nord to hand over customer data. The company is also based in Panama – which means it doesn’t fall under the purview of Western agencies and has no mandatory data retention laws to comply with.
NordVPN operates 5,000+ servers in 59 countries – with options to connect depending on your specific requirement – such as downloading, P2P file sharing, video streaming, or anonymity. There are multiple servers in South Africa.
The service works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without any problems. It’s quite generous when allowing for multiple connections – a total of six devices can connect at any one time. This means it’s an ideal choice to share with friends and family and save on costs by splitting the bill.
All internet traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption, which comes as standard. It’s coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys and DNS leak protection.
There’s support for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN speed test data
| No value | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 460 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 349 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 299 Mbps |
Pros:
- Great VPN for downloading and streaming from abroad
- Unblocks most popular geo-locked streaming services
- The fastest VPN on the market
- Top-notch security and privacy protection
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
Cons:
- Desktop app can be awkward to use
Our score:4.5 out of 5
BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is our top choice. A solid all-round performer in South Africa. Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. A great choice for security and privacy. Use up to 6 devices at once with great internet connection speeds. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.NordVPN CouponSAVE 60% + FREE Malware ProtectionGET DEAL >Discount applied automatically
2. Surfshark
APPS AVAILABLE:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark currently operates around 1,700 servers in 60+ countries including South Africa. This service provides high speeds and boasts excellent unblocking ability, meaning it’s ideal for live streaming region-locked content abroad. Best of all, Surfshark has no connection limit. As such, it allows you to secure all of your devices at once.
This VPN takes your security seriously. It uses effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in all versions), and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks to keep your activities private at all times. There’s also automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, as well as a strict no-logs policy which ensures your online activities can’t be traced back to you.
Surfshark apps are available for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Manual installation is required for use with network traffic routers.
Surfshark speed test data
| No value | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 317 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 253 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 400 Mbps |
Pros:
- Makes it easy to get a South African IP address
- High speeds and strong unblocking ability
- Powerful security and privacy features
- No bandwidth limits
- Connect as many devices as you like
Cons:
- Some servers are faster than others
- Small (but growing) network
Our score:4.5 out of 5
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is an inexpensive service that lets you connect as many devices as you like, so you can stream and browse securely at home or on the go. 30-day money-back guarantee.Surfshark CouponGet 2 Months FREE with a 2-year planGET DEAL >Discount applied automatically
3. ExpressVPN
APPS AVAILABLE:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is one of the best all-round VPNs out there. Not only does it offer fast speeds, it combines that with military-grade encryption protocols and a rustic design. It’s easy to install and works just right.
The company operates over 3,000 VPN servers spread across 94 countries including a few in South Africa. Hence local residents traveling abroad can use these servers to access local content like MTN and Super Sports.
If you’re worried about privacy and anonymity, then ExpressVPN’s policy of not storing any user logs should ease your concerns. The only minimal information the company stores is metadata pertaining to the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used”. Your individual IP address will never be logged.
As for encryption parameters, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company calls a ‘network lock’. This feature means all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops unexpectedly. That’s an additional layer of security – ensuring there are no momentary open doors for prying eyes to enter.
ExpressVPN can unlock geo-restricted content on Netflix. It’s also compatible with Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, SuperSport and other South African TV channels. ExpressVPN also supports torrenting. There are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
ExpressVPN speed test data
| No value | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 136 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 134 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 136 Mbps |
Pros:
- Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting
- Best in class security and privacy features are built-in
- Unblocks a large range of geo-locked sites, e.g. Netflix
- Easy to use apps for most platforms are beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Not the cheapest provider on this list – use coupon provided
- May not be flexible enough for advanced users
Our score:4.5 out of 5
SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a quick, privacy-conscious VPN that works great in South Africa. Hard to beat on privacy and security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.ExpressVPN CouponSAVE: 49% on the annual planGET DEAL >Coupon applied automatically
4. CyberGhost
APPS AVAILABLE:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost will appeal to beginner users because it’s relatively inexpensive, offers decent speeds and strong encryption, and is easy to set up.
The company is headquartered in Romania and privacy advocates will be pleased with the fact that it has a stated policy of not storing any user data. Having said that, there was a bit of management shuffle recently – CyberGhost was acquired by an Israeli firm headquartered in the UK. There’s a slight chance this could change the logging policy so we’ll keep our readers updated on this front.
Let’s come back to service standards. The company has been adding new server locations at a voracious speed – right now there are 5,700+ servers online. They’re spread across 89 countries – with 10 in South Africa.
Encryption standards are robust – the company deploys 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. These are considered to be top-tier standards. An internet kill switch is also included.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows, MacOS and Linux. One paid account allows for seven devices to connect at a single time.
CyberGhost is a solid option for streaming and will allow you to watch US Netflix in South Africa.
CyberGhost speed test data
| No value | CyberGhost |
|---|---|
| Average Connection Speed – North America (USA) | 853 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Europe (UK) | 480 Mbps |
| Average Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong) | 312 Mbps |
Pros:
- Budget priced provider with impressive streaming speeds
- Apps are easy to use and great for new users
- Good range of servers in South Africa is great for unblocking content while abroad
- No issues unblocking BBC iPlayer, and more
How much does a VPN cost South Africa?
Buffered VPN.
This VPN provides 256-bit Blowfish encryption on the security front and it is a great choice for responsive browsing and internet gaming. It’s price ranges from R128 per month.
How can I get a free VPN in South Africa?
VPN. lat has Free VPN servers all over the world including South Africa. You can surf over internet with unlimited bandwidth while you watch movies and tv shows, videos, play online and more while all your internet traffic is fully encrypted.
Which VPN gives free internet in South Africa?
UrbanVPN – The Best VPN for South Africa
The Internet in the country is free and available to more than fifty percent of the population.
How do I connect to a free VPN?
How to set up a free VPN
Go to the website of your desired VPN and click through.
Subscribe and download the VPN client for your particular platform.
Install the VPN on your device.
Run the app and select your preferred protocol.
Choose the server location that you would like to connect from.
Done!