How often have you encountered restrictions while accessing your favorite content in Asia? The landscape of internet access across many Asian countries presents many challenges, from geo-blocks to heavily censored information on seemingly standard platforms. Using a combination of exhaustive research and rigorous testing, we’ve pinpointed the best VPNs for Asia. These providers are capable of bypassing stringent internet restrictions and ensuring a seamless, secure, and authentic online journey.
We’ll cover each of the VPNs we recommend in more detail below, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:
A shortlist of the best VPNs for Asia:
- NordVPN Is our top-rated Asia VPN. A veteran provider that consistently hits good streaming speeds. Impressive security and privacy features. Wide network of reliable servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Asia. - Surfshark Best budget VPN for Asia. A security-first service that prides itself on the ability to unblock a huge range of content. Offers decent speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and a no-logs policy. Works consistently in China.
- IPVanish Is fast and reliable for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Option for anonymous signup and payment. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN Operates a large network of servers that can unblock most of the popular online streaming sites. Goes to great lengths to protect users’ privacy and security. Works well in Asia, including China.
- CyberGhost Great for streaming and plentiful servers for Asia. Easy to use apps with good privacy.
- ProtonVPN Trusted and reliable VPN with many advanced features ideal for bypassing censorship in Asia. Has 24/7 live chat support.
- PureVPN Great value VPN to get an Asian IP. Easy to use and provides robust encryption. Includes a kill switch to protect your web visits from surveillance.
- PrivateVPN Great for accessing geo-restricted Asian content. Works in China. Strong on security and privacy.
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?
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 Asia with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to access blocked content or protect your online privacy while on a trip.
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.
VPNs for Asia: A comparison
We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice VPN for Asia.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | ProtonVPN.com | PureVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Asia | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Streaming services | Netflix Amazon Prime HBO BBC iPlayer Hulu YouTube TV | Netflix Amazon Prime HBO BBC iPlayer Hulu YouTube TV | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu Disney+ | Netflix Amazon Prime HBO BBC iPlayer Hulu YouTube TV | Netflix Amazon Prime HBO | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix Hulu | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Server countries | 118 | 100 | 118 | 105 | 100 | 117 | 66 | 63 | Works in China | Activity logs | No identifying data | No identifying data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free eSIM data | $2.19 86% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Our criteria for Asia VPNs
In order to find the best VPNs for Asia, we looked for providers that excelled when tested in the following areas:
- Speed: It’s vital that your chosen VPN is quick enough for day-to-day tasks like streaming, gaming or browsing. To find which were fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s servers in Taiwan.
- Server availability: We scored VPNs on the number of Asian countries they had servers in. We also scored them on the overall size and spread of their networks.
- Security and privacy: To make sure your data is safe when using a VPN in restrictive Asian countries, we’ve only recommended that scored highly against our 16 security and privacy criteria.
- Ease of use: It’s nice when a service works smoothly. We found the easiest-to-use providers by evaluating them against 10 different metrics.
- Streaming: We tested each provider with Asian streaming services as well as assessing them on eight other metrics.
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 Asia
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Asia:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first choice for an Asia VPN. It has over 7,400 servers in 118 countries, and can evade detection using either its NordWhisper protocol or obfuscated servers.
Speeds are fantastic. While connected to its servers in Taiwan, we recorded a top speed of 201.08 Mbps. The overall average wasn’t much lower, at 196.26 Mbps. This makes NordVPN suitable for all kinds of tasks, including video calling, streaming or multiplayer gaming.
You will get a particularly low price if you’re prepared to sign up for multi-year plans. Although commitment might seem daunting, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test out the VPN before you are completely locked in.
With NordVPN, you can connect ten devices to the service at once. It works in China and can also help you access Netflix regions in Japan, India, and various Western countries.
NordVPN’s server locations include Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, so you can easily get an Asian IP address from abroad using this VPN.
NordVPN is fine with its customers using P2P networks for downloading, and it has specialized servers for that activity. When you select a server for your connection, you can choose to add extra security measures. These options include a double-hop connection, which passes through two VPN servers and includes double encryption. This provider keeps no logs, and this has been proven time and again through external audits.
This service has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The VPN can be set up on routers, and there is also a NordVPN browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that can reliably work in China to bypass the Great Firewall with obfuscated servers.
- You want a large server network with plenty of choices in Asia.
- You require specialized servers for P2P and torrenting activities, with added security features like double encryption.
- You want added threat protection to defend against malware, intrusive ads, and malicious websites.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You prefer a lightweight desktop app. Can sometimes take longer to connect.
BEST VPN FOR ASIA:NordVPN is our top choice. A solid, well-rounded VPN provider that works well in Asia. Unblocks most popular streaming sites. Strong security features and allows up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes, a 30-day money-back guarantee making it risk-free.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 9.4 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a cheap VPN based in the British Virgin Islands, so it isn’t legally required to keep any identifying logs, and accordingly, it doesn’t. For added privacy, you can pay for the VPN in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum. This service keeps your internet traffic safe using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. There’s also a NoBorders function that lets you browse freely in countries with strict censorship.
Users can connect to over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, including Hong Kong, India, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore. For our speed tests, we used the provider’s servers in Taiwan. As you can see from the chart below, connections were consistently fast with an average speed of 187.56 Mbps and only 4 Mbps of variation over the three different test times.
With no connection limit, you’ll be able to protect all of your devices at once. Of course, it works just as well for entertainment purposes and unblocks stubborn platforms like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere.
Surfshark offers Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS apps. You can also manually configure it for use with supported network routers. 24/7 support is on hand over live chat, just in case.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need unlimited device connections, allowing you to secure all your devices without restrictions.
- You want a budget-friendly VPN that still works in China using NoBorders mode.
- You require a VPN with great streaming performance.
- You want cutting-edge security features, including 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and the ability to pay with cryptocurrencies.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a customizable app interface; simple, user-friendly UI might not appeal to power users.
- You want access to advanced features without having to upgrade to Surfshark One.
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark lets you protect every device you own simultaneously. With cutting-edge security features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, this service is well worth your consideration.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is based in the United States. For some people, that would be a problem because the NSA and copyright lawyers are notoriously adept at leaning on businesses in the USA, which could force them to hand over records of customer activities. However, IPVanish is prepared for that eventuality, as they don’t keep any connection or activity logs. So no information could be forced out of them.
The company has servers in 140 locations. While it’s particularly strong in the United States, it also has servers in 30 Asian countries. These include Turkey, India, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia. Servers in Hong Kong help customers in China.
For our speed tests, we connected to IPVanish’s servers in Taiwan. The provider’s average download speed was 169.99 Mbps, which is fast enough for streaming 4K video on six devices at the same time.
IPVanish allows each customer to connect unlimited devices to the network simultaneously, making it a great option for families with many devices. When you sign up, you get a 30-day refund period. The service is offered on one-month, 12-month, or two-year plans, with longer subscriptions being cheaper per month.
The VPN is great an unblocking Asian content from big-name platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. It also works great with US-based services such as Hulu.
You can install IPVanish’s desktop software on Windows and macOS. IPVanish also offers apps for Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire. You can even set up this VPN on your wi-fi router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need unlimited simultaneous connections – ideal for large households or people with many devices.
- You want a VPN with obfuscation via its OpenVPN Scramble feature, making it effective in restrictive regions.
- You need a VPN optimized for streaming and torrenting without restrictions.
- You require a VPN that works well with Kodi and Firestick TV—IPVanish is popular for its compatibility with these devices.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re concerned about VPN jurisdiction – IPVanish is based in the US.
- You want the option to pay anonymously using Bitcoin.
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is great for families. A solid choice for Asia. Good at unblocking most geo-restricted content. Recommend for their high standard of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 5.0 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is another good choice for use in Asia. The server locations of this VPN are spread across 105 countries and include 27 Asian nations. These include Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Macau. Those last two locations offer excellent service for customers in China. Note, however, that ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that work well in the People’s Republic. The service’s ability to evade detection is great for those in China who want to watch foreign movies or connect to Facebook.
The ease with which ExpressVPN dodges the Great Firewall of China shows how adept this service is at fooling even the strictest proxy detection systems. In the world of video streaming, one of the hardest sites to crack is Netflix. ExpressVPN can access Netflix US, Canada, Germany, and other libraries from anywhere in Asia.
Ironically, the ExpressVPN website is blocked in China. However, the company gives its customers a second web address to access the site, which works in China. The support team can be reached around the clock on the website via a live chat facility. However, if you’re heading for China, signing up for the service is simpler before you go.
Speed-wise, ExpressVPN is solid. In our tests, it averaged 122.40 Mbps. Moreover, it only varied by 5.22 Mbps between its slowest and fastest speeds.
ExpressVPN’s consistency and ability to establish connections quickly is partially down to its home-grown connection protocol — Lightway. This is enabled by default, though users can switch to OpenVPN if they wish.
ExpressVPN keeps no logs of user activity, and it has apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire tablets, and certain wi-fi routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need superb privacy and security, with a proven no-logs policy
- You want fast and consistent connections using the Lightway protocol.
- You require a VPN that consistently works in China and other high-censorship countries.
- You prefer a simple, user-friendly app with support for a wide range of devices, including routers and Amazon Fire Stick.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a cheaper VPN, pricier than other providers.
- You want a high level of control over advanced settings.
COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:ExpressVPN has a large server network that is optimized for consistently quick connections. It has user-friendly apps for all operating systems. It’s hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 6.1 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers worldwide, spread across 100 countries. There are VPN servers in many Asian countries, including Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. This is one of the few VPN services in the world that has servers in Pakistan, so if you live and work in another part of Asia and want to access Pakistani sites, apps, and video services, CyberGhost would be your best bet.
The CyberGhost app is well designed, with a friendly ghost theme running through all of its screens. When you open the app, you first define what activity you will be pursuing, and then the app reconfigures itself accordingly. One of those options is to download with torrents, so the company is fine with you using its services to connect to P2P networks anonymously. The provider also has dedicated streaming servers that are labelled with the platforms that they work best with.
When it comes to connection speeds, CyberGhost is satisfyingly quick. In our test, the provider achieved an average download speed of 137.89 Mbps. This is fast enough for streaming, torrenting or gaming.
You can pay for CyberGhost with Bitcoin. The provider offers total account anonymity because a separate company processes your payments, and you are only identified on the CyberGhost system by an account number. This is in addition to the tried and tested no-logs policy when you are using the VPN.
CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can connect to the service with seven devices simultaneously. The VPN website contains instructions for setting up the VPN on select routers and Linux.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a beginner-friendly VPN with a simple interface and easy setup for users of all experience levels.
- You want access to a vast number of servers in Asia, including Pakistan (a rare offering among VPN providers).
- You want a dedicated streaming server optimized for platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- You’d like the longest available money-back guarantee – 45 days rather than 30.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works in China —CyberGhost is not the best at bypassing China’s strict internet censorship.
- You prefer a VPN geared towards power users – more suited for casual users rather than tech enthusiasts.
VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Works well in Asia. Great option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 6.7 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 6.1 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN based in Switzerland—a nation known for its strong privacy laws. It is popular among tech enthusiasts in Asia due to its advanced feature set. The VPN’s commitment to privacy is evident in its rigorous no-logging policy, which has been independently audited. This makes ProtonVPN an ideal choice for users in Asia seeking to avoid government surveillance.
The VPN offers apps across all major platforms, equipped with features like AES encryption, DNS leak protection, multi-hop connections, obfuscation, and Tor over VPN. These tools are crucial for circumventing government censorship and safely accessing restricted websites in settings such as workplaces or educational institutions.
During our evaluations, ProtonVPN effectively provided Asian IP addresses, enabling users to access regional streaming platforms like iQIYI, Tencent Video, Youku, Tudou, HOOQ, and ViU. Its extensive network across 117 countries ensures smooth access to international services like Hulu and the UK’s BBC iPlayer, while in Asia.
The provider’s tested speeds are impressive, if a little less consistent than some. Overall, its average download speed was a solid 137.94 Mbps.
ProtonVPN also supports advanced features such as split tunneling and port forwarding, enhancing its functionality for torrenting within Asia. While it may come at a higher price point compared to some competitors, it is extremely comprehensive, making it well worth considering. For those unsure, ProtonVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing anybody to test it risk-free.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN with advanced features like Tor over VPN, multi-hop, and Stealth protocol for bypassing censorship.
- You want to access Asian streaming platforms (like iQIYI and Tencent Video) while traveling.
- You’d like a VPN that supports torrenting with dedicated P2P-optimized servers and port forwarding.
- You want to start with their free plan before committing to a paid subscription.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for the cheapest VPN option.
- You want simpler functionality—ProtonVPN is feature-heavy, which might overwhelm beginner users.
FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is a trusted and reliable VPN with many advanced features. It is perfect for users who want to torrent or bypass censorship in Asia. Servers are available in over 117+ countries, including 27 in Asia. Works to watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular services. Has 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.
7. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 6.8 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.3 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 5.7 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN is perfect for users in Asia who need an effective VPN on a budget. With servers spread across more than 65 countries, including several in Asia, PureVPN works to watch popular Asian streaming platforms like iQIYI, Tencent Video, Youku Tudou, HOOQ, ViU, LINE TV, and WeTV. This capability extends to both international use and within restrictive networks in workplaces or educational institutions across Asia.
PureVPN excels in providing access to global platforms like Netflix US and various social media sites, often restricted by governments in Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This makes it a versatile tool for Asian internet users wanting to gain online freedom without fear of surveillance.
The integration of the WireGuard protocol ensures that PureVPN offers fast speeds, which is ideal for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and conducting secure video calls. The provider averaged 133.04 Mbps in the tests for this article.
For those concerned with government censorship and surveillance in Asia, PureVPN offers robust security features: AES encryption, a strict no-logging policy, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and obfuscation. These features are essential for safely navigating the web without the risk of surveillance or attacks from hackers, especially on public wi-fi networks.
While our experience with the live chat support was not entirely satisfactory due to slow responses, this minor issue does not overshadow the overall reliability and effectiveness of the VPN. PureVPN’s 31-day money-back guarantee means you can test the VPN yourself to check if it provides access to all your favorite services.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a budget-friendly VPN with good performance in Asian countries, including China and Vietnam.
- You require a VPN with WireGuard protocol for fast and secure streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- You want a VPN with strong privacy protections, including no-logs auditing and AES encryption.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need instant access to live chat – support team can be slow to respond.
- You want port forwarding included without additional charges.
FANTASTIC VALUE:PureVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs to get an Asian IP in a variety of countries. It is easy to use and provides robust encryption. Includes a kill switch to protect your web visits from surveillance. Torrenting is allowed, but port forwarding costs extra. 31-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more in our PureVPN review.
8. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.3 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Server availability: | 5.3 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| Taiwan speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, and the company is particularly enthusiastic about serving customers who want to download torrents. The service has locations in 63+ countries, including 12 nations in Asia. Those Asian locations include Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, and Turkey. This is another VPN that can get you into Netflix USA from abroad.
In our tests, PrivateVPN’s speeds were slower than the other providers in this list, though they were still quick enough for 4K streaming. The average download speed across all three tests was 51.94 Mbps.
If you need faster speeds, PrivateVPN is one of the few providers that lets you change the level of encryption used on your traffic. While not generally a good idea for sensitive online activities, it can be a good way to gain a few Mbps when streaming.
The company is very interested in torrenting and is scrupulous about not keeping any activity or traffic logs. With PrivateVPN, you get an allowance of ten simultaneous connections, so you can protect several gadgets in your home and outdoors.
Although the company is located in Sweden, its staff speak excellent English, and the support team is available on the website through a live chat facility during Swedish business hours. The technicians can remotely control your device and fix any problems that you have if you find it difficult to follow technical instructions.
The PrivateVPN custom app is available for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire. Connections for routers and Linux must be configured manually.
PrivateVPN offers new customers a 30-day refund period so you can try the service risk-free.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works reliably in China—PrivateVPN offers a good solution for bypassing Chinese censorship.
- You want to stream content from global libraries like Netflix US while traveling in Asia.
- You require a secure and private VPN, with a no-logs policy and strong encryption.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require a larger server network – fewer server locations compared to other providers.
- You need faster speeds for high-demand activities like gaming or HD video calling, or have a slower base connection.
GREAT FOR TORRENTING:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for general-purpose use and streaming. Works in China. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
Our methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Asia
When it comes to VPNs, there’s plenty of competition on the market. However, some VPNs are a little lacking when it comes to server speed, security or network availability. To find the best all-rounders for Asia, we tested providers in the following areas:
Server availability
There may be times when you wish to connect to a server in Asia, and other times when you want to connect to another part of the world. With this in mind, we scored providers on the number of Asian countries they had servers in. We then scored them on the total number of countries they supported, as well as their overall server count.
These three scores were weighted and then converted to an overall score out of 10 for each provider.
The results suggest that ProtonVPN is your best bet for global server access. This isn’t surprising given that it has more than 12,000 servers spread across 117 countries. NordVPN and CyberGhost also have plenty of servers available in Asia and the rest of the world.
Speed
All VPNs slow your connection down a little — the trick is finding the ones that slow it the least. With this in mind, we speed-tested each provider while connected to one of their servers in Taiwan. To better emulate the experience of the average user, we rate-limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps, as this is roughly the average broadband speed in the US. We used the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app to take measurements.
Once the results were in, we averaged the results for each provider. To make a side-by-side comparison easier, each average was then converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other results.
NordVPN was the fastest provider overall, and your best bet for preserving whatever connection speed you currently have. Surfshark was also notably quick. While Private VPN was noticeably slower than the rest of the providers on our list, it was still more than fast enough for everyday streaming and browsing, but it might be worth picking one of the speedier providers if you have a slow base connection.
Security and privacy
A VPN should keep you safe at all times, even if you’re connecting to less-than-safe public wi-fi networks. Essential security features that we looked for included encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. If providers go further still, then all the better.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
| IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
| Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
| Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 |
| Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit |
| Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | All platforms | Some platforms | Some platforms |
| HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth |
| Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
| Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | One | One | One |
| Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Each of the above metrics was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were combined to make the comparison easier.
NordVPN and Surfshark scored highest overall. Both VPNs use strong encryption and RAM-only servers. They have independently audited no-logs policies as well as effective obfuscation for restrictive countries in Asia.
Ease of use
One of the benefits of testing so many VPNs is that we are able to find out just how user-friendly their apps actually are. We’ve only chosen VPNs that allow you to connect to a server in a matter of seconds. You can see which other key features we looked for in the table below.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN | PureVPN | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | App | Standard |
| Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Great | Generally works |
| Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
| Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
| Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Takes some getting used to | A little cluttered | Well-organised |
| Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
We scored each of the above metrics and combined them to generate the following chart.
NordVPN the easiest to use provider overall. It has user-friendly apps, task-specific servers, and a hassle-free sign-up process. IPVanish and ExpressVPN also scored highly, making them good option for those who are new to VPN software.
Streaming
The unblocking ability of VPNs varies greatly, which is why we tested each VPN against a wide range of websites and services. In particular, we tried them with a lot of popular streaming services, many of which actively block VPN use. You can see how the tested VPNs performed against each of our streaming metrics in the table below.
Feature NordVPN Surfshark IPVanish ExpressVPN CyberGhost Proton VPN PureVPN PrivateVPN
Number of locations in relevant country 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations 5+ locations
Regional speed test results 300-500 Mbps 500+ Mbps 300-500 Mbps 300-500 Mbps 100-299 Mbps 100-299 Mbps 100-299 Mbps <100 Mbps
Includes ad-blocker? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Works in high-censorship countries Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
Offers a smart DNS service Yes Yes No Yes No No No No
Streaming device apps 2+ apps 2+ apps 2+ apps 2+ apps 2+ apps 1 app 2+ apps 2+ apps
Can Unblock Tier 1 Streaming Reliably Reliably Reliably Reliably Reliably Unreliably Unreliably Reliably
Can Unblock Tier 2 Streaming Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Can Unblock Tier 3 Streaming Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
If you’re short on time, you might prefer to use the chart below. This summarizes our streaming findings by combining the scores for each test metric.
First place was tied between NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. All three providers excel at unblocking stubborn streaming platforms in Asia and everywhere else. All three also had ad-blockers and a smart DNS service for VPN-incompatible devices.
Free VPNs for Asia
We know it’s tempting to look for a free VPN for Asia, but you really should resist the allure of free VPNs. Some of them are great for quick access to restricted sites however, most free VPNs have very limited server locations and capabilities and will struggle to get around internet censorship, especially in tricky countries like China. When looking for a VPN for Asia, you need to be sure of top-level encryption to keep your connections private — free VPNs don’t offer that.
The free versions of reputable VPNs are often good as a trial. However, they usually come with data throughput limits. Activities such as online gaming, torrenting, and streaming video chew through those data allowances very quickly. Plus, their encryption standards can leave you open to malware, and some have been known to record your data and sell it to third parties. So we recommend using a reputable VPN for Asia instead.
Internet restrictions in Asia
Asia encompasses a lot of repressive governments. The Freedom House has previously named 20 Asian nations among the 30 most repressive regimes for internet access.
The controls on internet access vary from country to country, but Asia includes the countries that operate the tightest web restrictions. Freedom House gives China the top spot for internet repression, but Iran, Syria, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan are not far behind.
All search engines in China are severely restricted. Although you can access Google in China, you won’t be able to get to the North American or European versions of the service. Instead, you will be redirected to the Hong Kong service.
Most Google brands, including YouTube, Google Drive, and Gmail, are banned in China. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all banned in China, as are overseas video streaming services, such as Netflix.
Governments across Asia heavily censor international entertainment. The temptation to access overseas video streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or the websites of US or European TV stations, is very strong. However, accessing uncensored entertainment in many Asian countries can be illegal. Not only that, most TV streaming websites won’t let you access their videos from abroad. VPNs can help you get around both of these hurdles to access entertainment from other continents when you are in Asia.
Muslim countries are particularly hard on pornography and dating sites. Also, as a lot of countries in the Middle East are autocratic, any political dissent gets a website banned in those places. Surprisingly, gambling sites are banned in a lot of South Asian countries, including India and Bangladesh. In South Korea, online gambling can get you a jail sentence of three years.
Websites covering issues of homosexuality are completely banned throughout the Middle East and also in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. A long list of Asian locations ban dating sites. Again, all of the Middle East is on that list, plus India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China.
Religious controversy is strongly punished in large areas of Asia, and many countries have very severe penalties for people who even joke about the state’s main religion.
In Pakistan, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill gives the government the right to prosecute Pakistani passport holders for accessing banned sites even if they were outside of the country when they committed the transgression and even if they were born abroad and have never actually visited Pakistan. The advent of internet access on flights means that you can be prosecuted by the Pakistani government for accessing a banned website while flying over the country — even if your plane doesn’t touch down there.
The situation of internet freedom in Asia is not universally gloomy. Japan has one of the freest web systems in the world and is ranked as the seventh freest country in the world for internet access by Freedom House, while Taiwan is also listed on the free internet list.
The legal landscape over internet and web access in many Asian countries has become messy. The definition of what is and isn’t illegal is left intentionally blurred, and that means that many governments can arrest people on a whim whether or not the sites that they visited were on a blacklist.
*Disclaimer: While we have researched this topic thoroughly, nothing in our article should be taken as legal advice. Our goal is to provide you with the best information and solutions. That said, we are not legal experts on the nuances of Asia’s laws.
VPNs for Asia: FAQs
Which VPN is best for Asian servers?
Most major VPN providers know the value of having a strong server base in Asia. This not only allows Western users to access on-demand services like Netflix Japan, Hotstar, and Chinese TV channels; it also means that customers in these locations can browse and stream safely without having to reduce their speeds by connecting to a server hundreds of miles away.
In terms of the sheer number of countries covered, ExpressVPN is one of the best. It has servers in fairly uncommon locations like Bhutan, Brunei, and Laos, as well as the more common Japan, India, and South Korea. If you’re looking for reliability, NordVPN might be the better option, though: it covers fewer countries but has almost twice as many servers, which could help reduce lag at peak times.
Are VPNs legal in Asia?
Although some governments have pushed for restrictions on VPN usage, they are legitimate Internet privacy tools, and so VPNs are legal in most countries. In fact, they’re only officially banned in 10 countries around the world. Unfortunately, though, eight of these ten locations are in Asia:
- China
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Oman
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
And since there can be serious consequences for breaking the law in these countries, we strongly recommend you make yourself aware of the local laws and regulations before attempting to use a VPN when traveling.
How will I know if my IP address has been changed to a location in Asia?
It’s actually very quick and easy to check if your IP address has been changed to a location in Asia. First, make sure you’re connected to a server in a country in Asia. This should be easily visible in the VPN app. However, you can also verify the change through a third-party tool such as our IP Address Check or whatismyip.com. These options both show an approximate location (this should match the VPN server location in Asia) and your current IP address.
Should foreigners use a VPN or a proxy server in Singapore?
Foreigners visiting or living in Singapore should use a VPN over a proxy server. Proxy servers can be helpful for some purposes, but they are less secure than a VPN and may leave you vulnerable to malicious attacks.
One of our recommended VPNs can help protect your data, activity, and location from being monitored by anyone with access to the Internet. In addition, it allows you to bypass geographic restrictions imposed on certain websites and streaming services.
When searching for a reliable VPN provider in Singapore, ensure it has high-security features such as solid encryption protocols, DNS leak prevention measures, and no-logging policies regarding user activities or traffic data stored on their network servers.
Can hotels in Asia see where I live when I browse their site with a VPN?
When you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to browse hotel websites in Asia, the hotels generally cannot see your actual location, however it’s possible to get different rates based on where you connect from. A VPN can help with this by masking your real IP address by routing your internet connection through a server in a different location, which could be anywhere in the world.
For instance, if you are in the United States and connect to a VPN server in Japan, the hotel website will see the IP address of the VPN server in Japan. Therefore, the site perceives you as browsing from Japan.
While VPNs are effective at hiding your IP address, it’s important to note that they do not provide complete online invisibility. Hotel websites can still potentially track you through other means like cookies or browser fingerprinting, especially if you have allowed permissions on your browser or device.
I lived in Bangkok and it was very hard to watch any professional sport from the US like the NBA or the NFL even with my VPN software they could detect that I was in Asia I guess through my IP Address.