The best UAE and Dubai VPN in 2024

Need to boost your online anonymity? Here are the best UAE VPNs for the job.

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Every year, each of our VPN experts spends around3,000 hours testing VPN appsand services. That includes over 28,000 speed tests, 2,200 streaming tests, and hundreds of VPN reviews.

Whether you live in the UAE or are just visiting, the region’s censorship may prevent you from watching your favorite shows and content. With a VPN, however, you’ll be able to bypass that censorship and watch global content from anywhere.

But only thebest VPN servicescan do the job reliably and safely – and the TechRadar team has put all of the major players to the test. I’ve rounded up the five best UAE VPNs based on our thorough testing of their security, speed, and unblocking power.

Keep reading to check out my in-depth recommendations – and why each service edged out the competition to land a spot in my rankings.

The 5 best UAE VPNs: quick overview

In a hurry? No problem. Here’s a roundup of my top UAE picks:

1.NordVPN - from $3.09 per monthThe best VPN overall

NordVPN is a fantastic all-rounder for the UAE and beyond thanks to its handy apps and features. You’ll get plenty of security tools, like Double VPN which adds an extra layer of privacy to your browsing sessions, and built-in ad and tracker blocking. NordVPN has also proven its commitment to user security with multiple audits of its no logs policy – so you don’t have to worry about your identifiable data ending up in the hands of nosy third parties. Try my #1 choice for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2.ExpressVPN - from $6.67 per monthThe best beginner VPN

ExpressVPN is a privacy-focused service that I always recommend to new VPN users. Why? Well, its apps look amazing and are incredibly intuitive, with features and settings exactly where you’d expect to find them. ExpressVPN is compatible with just about every gadget out there, too, and packs a rigid no-logs policy that’ll let you go about your day-to-day browsing in the UAE without leaving a trail of personal data. Take ExpressVPN for a test run with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

3.Surfshark - from $2.19 per monthThe best budget VPN

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or just want to bag a bargain, Surfshark is a fantastic pick. All plans come with a ton of security-boosting tools designed to bypass blocks and geo-restrictions, meaning you can check out content from outside of the UAE in just a few clicks. Surfshark is a wickedly quick service, too, topping our speed charts – which is great news for all you HD movie marathoners, gamers, and torrenters. Be sure to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to see how Surfshark stacks up against the competition.

4.Proton VPN - from $3.59 per monthThe best free VPN

Proton VPN proves that some free providers really can walk the walk when it comes to online security. Renowned for its privacy-oriented service, Proton VPN has all the tools you need to bypass geo-restrictions, blocks, and censorship, thanks to servers around the UAE (and further afield). Proton VPN also impresses when it comes to unblocking streaming content, so you’ll never miss out on a new episode of your favorite show or sporting event even if you travel overseas. To see how Proton VPN works for you, check out its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5.PIA - from $2.03 per monthThe best VPN for Linux

If you’re a Linux loyalist living in the UAE (or planning a visit), you’ll want to check out PIA. In addition to a full GUI, PIA boasts an impressive toolkit of features and a ton of customization, making it a favorite of more tech-savvy users everywhere. PIA blocks ads, trackers, and malware, keeping your browsing sessions nice and secure, and unblocks all of the most popular streaming services out there. Fancy taking PIA for a trial run? No problem - you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best UAE/Dubai VPN for 2024:

Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.

See how our top picks VPN for UAE compare in the following analysis and reviews as we discuss reasons to subscribe, reasons to avoid, our test results, what we liked most about each provider, and how they compare with the competition.

In this round of updates, I’ve bumped NordVPN to the top of the rankings to reflect our most recentVPN test results.

The best VPN overall

1.NordVPN

The top UAE VPN to safely browse locally

✔️You like blazing-fast speeds: Nord’s placed itself among the fastest VPN services on the market we tried during our last round of testing.

✔️You value your security online: strong encryption, Double VPN, ad/malware-blockers, and Onion Over VPN are just some of its advanced security features

✔️You appreciate dedicated IP option: either you’re a business or individual, you can enjoy the perks of a fixed IP with the security of a VPN for an extra tiny fee

❌ You are on a tight budget:Nord is pricier than Surfshark which offers a decent set of basic features.

❌You use port forwarding:it allows for optimized connections, faster downloads and improved overall torrenting performance, which Express VPN offers.

❌You need a Linux app:Nord is configured through Terminal on Linux, which may be more complex for those not familiar with Linux commands.

🔒NordVPNis a secure and reliable choice, offering UAE-based servers for delivering a complete VPN protection even on local browsing.

Are you an adventurous UAE resident in search of the best UAE VPN that will take your online experiences to new heights? The biggest VPN name in the market might be just the right solution for those who dare to explore the digital realm while keeping their privacy intact.

When it comes to safeguarding your online privacy,NordVPNstands as an impenetrable fortress. It creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, shielding it from prying eyes and potential threats. With NordVPN, you can confidently browse, shop, and communicate knowing that your personal information remains confidential and protected.

▶Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Among our favorite security features there are double kill switches, DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, Onion over VPN to reroute traffic via both the VPN server and the Tor network, and a Double VPN option so that all your internet traffic will be encrypted not once, but twice. Its new additionMeshnetis then ideal for those seeking to secure their workload across multiple devices—even better as it’s nowfree of charge for all.

NordVPN boasts over 5,500 speedy servers dotted around the globe that can be accessed from the UAE with great reliability. Some of those are actually in the UAE, a great feature if you live locally and want to keep search results locally focused. These UAE-based locations even host obfuscated servers that are specifically configured to bypass network firewalls in countries with the toughest restrictions.

Despite restriction efforts by Etisalat and Du, NordVPN performs well as both aNetflix VPNandBBC iPlayer VPNwhile in the UAE. It does that at great speed, too. We experienced some improved connection speeds reaching 950+Mbps with WireGuard last time we checked, placing itself among thefastest VPNservices on the market right now.

By leveraging its vast network of servers worldwide, NordVPN enables you to make free international calls using popular VoIP apps likeWhatsAppand FaceTime, which are blocked in the UAE. Stay connected with your friends and family, no matter the distance, and enjoy crystal-clear conversations has never been easier.

Yet, we still aren’t fans of its map-based interface on smaller screens and its browser extensions are still a bit basic. Linux users might find Nord’s installation process a bit daunting, too. Nonetheless you can count on speedy 24/7 live chat support to address any issues in no time and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out yourself risk-free.

The best VPN for beginners

2.ExpressVPN

A standout VPN for UAE, Dubai and everywhere

✔️You value your online privacy: ExpressVPN offers advanced encryption protocols and top-level security features.

✔️You value accessing geo-restricted content: the provider has a great unblocking record from streaming platforms to just any other blocked content.

✔️You appreciate usability: excellent customer support and user-friendly interface is what you’ll get when signing up.

❌You are after a cheap VPN: if you are on a tight budget, we recommend checking out Surfshark instead.

❌You want to secure many devices: ExpressVPN’s five simultaneous connections should be enough for many, but some competitors are more generous on this front.

❌You need to safely browse locally: at the time of writing, the provider doesn’t have servers based in the UAE.

🔒ExpressVPNis a top-tier VPN provider that prioritizes privacy and security, offering a vast server network, fast speeds, and user-friendly applications.

ExpressVPNboasts, in fact, enterprise-grade AES-256 encryption, numerous protocols to choose from (including its very own, speedy and open-sourcedLightwaywhich passed itssecond security audit with flying colorsin March), a kill switch on most platforms plus IPv6 leak protection.

To take it a step further, ExpressVPN operates with a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep any records of your online activities, while offering a range of advanced security features as well. Take split tunneling, for example, which allows you to exclude specific apps or websites from its VPN protection. A new ad and adult-site launched with its lastfeature-packed updateadds on the advanced protection offering started off with its anti-malware tool Threat Manager.

►Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

We also love its tried and tested 24/7 live chat support—all that good stuff above is largely useless if you can’t get it working. And let’s not forget about their user-friendly interface. ExpressVPN offers intuitive apps for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and even its own router with built-in VPNAircovealongside a new dedicatedApple TV app.

The provider boasts a secure international network across 105 countries with great unblocking powers and obfuscated servers so that UAE ISPs will struggle to detect that you’re using a VPN service. It also allows you to watch BBC iPlayer or US Netflix while in Dubai, for example.

The only real downside is that, at the time of writing, ExpressVPN doesn’t have servers within the country. So, if you need to privately browse locally, this may not be the service for you. Yet, it recently boosted its simultaneous connections allowance from five to up to eight devices connected at once—some providers allow use on one subscription for unlimited devices these days, though. But even that should be plenty for most users.

We even experienced an increase in its top speeds last time we checked, passing from 560 to 750Mbps when using Lightway. We also praise the provider’s commitment to transparency, counting 11 independent audits in 2022 alone. Anyway, there’s no need to take our word for granted, as you can try it out yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee instead. There’s also a special offer for TechRadar’s readers only…

The best cheap VPN service

3.Surfshark

Bargain UAE VPN that doesn’t compromise

✔️You are on a tight budget: despite Surfshark being one of the cheapest VPN around, it doesn’t compromise on security and performance.

✔️You need larger protection: Surfshark’s unlimited device allowance policy is great for securing all your household with just one subscription.

✔️You value fast connections: Alongside NordVPN and few other services, Surfshark confirmed itself as one of the fastest VPNs during our last round of testing.

❌ You need advanced customization options:for specific features that are not available in Surfshark, we advise looking into NordVPN.

❌You are after an ultra reliable gaming VPN:Surfshark’s occasional drops in connection make ExpressVPN a better option for this, offering the most stable connection.

❌May prompt captchas when browsing on mobile:many search engine entries involve having to complete a captcha before you can continue, presumably because the shared IP address was flagged for some reason.

🔒Surfsharkis stands out as an easy-to-use cheap VPN with strong security measures, censorship-bypassing capabilities, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

You may be drawn toSurfsharkbecause of the price. But you’ll keep using it because of the impressive feature list, easy-to-use apps, and performance that punches well above the affordability of this VPN service. Despite being a budget option, Surfshark is still one of our favorite overall services.

For starters, Surfshark takes your privacy very seriously. With their strict no-logs policy, they don’t track, monitor, or store any of your online activities. Your information remains private and confidential, giving you peace of mind as you explore the online world.

▶Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Now, let’s talk about one of Surfshark’s standout features: unlimited simultaneous connections. Yes, you read that right. With Surfshark, you can protect all your devices at once without any limitations. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or even a Smart TV, Surfshark has got you covered. It’s perfect for families or individuals who want to safeguard all their devices without breaking a sweat.

Surfshark earns a top spot in oursecure VPNrankings, too, thanks to its industry-standard encryption and double-hop feature. Double-hop routes your traffic through an extra VPN server for an added layer of protection. During our testing, Surfshark’s kill switch did let us down, but this only happened on a Windows machine when we pushed it to extreme limits.

But wait, there’s more! Surfshark VPN offers a feature called CleanWeb, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts, providing you with a clean and safe browsing experience. Say goodbye to annoying pop-ups and potential threats—Surfshark has your back, ensuring a smooth and secure online journey. Plus, An IP rotator feature included with its newNexus technologywill make it even more difficult to track your online activities.

Surfshark has an impressive network of more than 3,200 servers all over the world – including the UAE. That’s ideal for anyone living or visiting the country. Plus, you can check out the obfuscation tool, called Camouflage mode, which masks the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place and avoid VPN blocks and bans. The No Borders feature is another handy feature that’ll pair you up with a server that works best with strict network restrictions.

From Netflix and Hulu to iPlayer and Peacock, Surfshark is a greatstreaming VPNunblocking all the major streaming platforms. It even does so while delivering you great speeds, too. However, it’s worth noting that while Shurfshark confirmed itself to sit among the top fastest VPNs when connected to WireGuard, its speeds were still below average with OpenVPN. But that’s unlikely to be a huge factor for most users.

4.Proton VPN

Secure and speedy UAE and Dubai VPN with decent free option

✔️You are after a secure free VPN: ProtonVPN offers a free plan with unlimited-bandwidth, 100 servers across three countries and great security.

✔️You need advanced security:itsSecure Core servers route internet traffic via multiple privacy-enhancing servers in different countries for extra protection.

✔️ You value Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS):even if your VPN connection is compromised, previously encrypted traffic remains secure.

❌ You need a large server network:while Proton VPN has a decent server network, it’s not as extensive as some other providers.

❌ You need a free VPN for Netflix:Proton VPN supports Netflix and other advanced features just on their Premium plans.

❌You need a free VPN for torrenting: again, you need to upgrade to its Premium plans to use its P2P-optimized servers.

🔒ProtonVPN’s free plan option is a good option for those looking for basic VPN functionality without spending money.

Developed by the renowned team behind ProtonMail, the world’s largest encrypted email service,ProtonVPNoperates with the same level of commitment, expertise, and transparency. Its wide range of secure apps are, in fact, all open-source.

Over the years, the Swiss-based company developed a full privacy-first ecosystem, in fact, which includes, alongside its secure email service and VPN, an encrypted cloud drive, calendar, and password manager. Unlimited, Family, and Business subscribers can even benefit from some advanced protections now under theProton Sentinelprogram, which combines the power of AI with in-depth human analysis.

▶Try Proton VPN’s unlimited free plan.

Coming back to the Proton VPN offering, itsfree VPNrecently passed from 29 to over 100 free servers across 3 countries (Japan, the Netherlands, and US). Paid subscribers can choose among more than 2,700 servers now across 85+ locations, including 12 within UAE borders. Users who need extra security can even enjoy itsSecure Coretech and have their traffic rerouted through multiple ultra-secure servers instead. This means your unencrypted data will still be safe even if the UAE server gets compromised.

On the security front, Proton comes packed with interesting features like its ad-blockerNetShield, terrific kill switches, powerful encryption, DNS leak protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and built-in Tor support for accessing Onion sites. The provider eventeamed up with Deutsche Welleto offer people worldwide direct access to independent news content. It also recently launched theworld’s first censorship-resistant CAPTCHAallowing anyone to access its services, no matter where they are located.

In terms of speed, Proton VPN experienced another dip, with WireGuard speeds dropping from 510 Mbps to 460 Mbps. It’s a blip, but these speeds are still more than enough to support HD streaming and online gaming.

On the contrary, Proton boasts great unlocking power, allowing you to easily access foreign libraries of the likes of Netflix, iPlayer,AmazonPrime and Disney+ during your stay in the UAE.

Proton Unlimited and Proton Family subscribers can now also enjoy the paid version of Proton Pass, its newpassword manager just landed for all users. However, unlike its aforementioned competitors, Proton doesn’t have a 24/7 live chat just yet. This may be a problem for some customers, especially those new to the world of VPNs.

5.Private Internet Access (PIA)

The best value for money UAE VPN

✔️You appreciate affordability: Alongside Surfshark, PIA is small in price but big in security and performance.

✔️You are a Linux user:PIA boasts one the best VPN app for Linux we have seen so far, including an intuitive GUI.

✔️ You value customization options:PIA is great for more experienced users in need ofshaping the software according their needs.

❌ You need a VPN specifically for streaming:as we had some issuesunblocking streaming services with PIA, we recommend Express VPN or NordVPN for these purposes.

❌You are a beginner:For those who prefer a visually appealing VPN experience, Surfshark can be a better option.

❌ You need immediate customer support:PIA’s customer service instructs you to fill out a lengthy form in order to contact them, and they respond via e-mail.

🔒Private Internet Access (PIA)VPN is a cost-effective software, ideal for advanced users in and out the UAE.

A highly customizable service,Private Internet Access (PIA)even beats Surfshark now as the cheapest service out there. But as its price got lower, PIA’s network coverage did quite the opposite. Users can now choose among over 10,000 servers across 84 countries. Some of those are located in the UAE, too, allowing you to browse locally, if you wish.

The provider also upgraded from 10 tounlimited simultaneous connections, while confirming its commitment to promoting digital rights. In December 2023, PIA launched thePrivacy Pass initiativeto give free VPN subscriptions to the press and NGOs.

▶Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.

On the privacy front, PIA offers a long list of options that will accommodate any type of user—especially those more advanced. These include an excellent kill switch, browser extensions with extra privacy perks, open-source apps, and a live chat support service.

Among our favorites, there’s also its MACE™ ad and malware blocker, which keeps intrusive ads and malicious websites at bay. Say goodbye to annoying pop-ups and potential threats – PIA VPN has you covered.

Like Proton VPN, all PIA’s apps are open-source. This means that anyone can independently verify the security and privacy measures implemented by the software provider. Yet, PIA’sLinux VPNapp beats the competition thanks to its intuitive GUI.

PIA’s unblocking power impressed us during testing, too, thanks in part to its SmartDNS feature – which is designed to get around censorship and geo-restrictions that’d otherwise spoil your streaming sessions. We were able to unblock virtually all of today’s most in-demand streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, andAmazonPrime, and even 10Play – which PIA failed to unblock last time around.

In terms of speed, PIA is still way far to reach the fastest VPN services, though. Its peaks were quite disappointing this time, dropping 510 to 360Mbps when usingWireGuard. We are happy, though, to see that the provider is showing commitment to transparency with an independently audited no-logging policy under its belts, and one on its security infrastructure coming soon.

How to choose the best UAE and Dubai VPN

Given the UAE’s strict internet regulations and censorship practices, it’s of utmost importance to opt for a VPN that offers both reliability and effectiveness in circumventing these restrictions. Let’s delve into the key aspects you should consider to choose the finest VPN for the UAE.

First and foremost, prioritizesecurity and privacy. Seek a VPN provider that employs robust encryption protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard to safeguard your online activities. Additionally, ensure that the VPN adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, guaranteeing that they do not retain any user activity or connection logs.

Next,assess the VPN’s server networkandconnection speeds. Check if the provider has servers located within the UAE or nearby regions. Having servers in close proximity can significantly enhance connection speeds and minimize latency, resulting in a smoother browsing experience.

Since the primary objective of utilizing a VPN in the UAE is toovercome internet censorship, it is vital to select a VPN that has a proven track record of effectively bypassing these restrictions and granting access to blocked content. Watch out for services offering a reliableVPN obfuscation technology,able to bypass even the toughest restrictions.

Responsive customer supportis another crucial factor. A dependable VPN service should have a prompt and helpful customer support team available 24/7 via live chat or email to assist you in case of any issues or concerns.

How we test VPN services

Our VPN team is dedicated to testing VPNs the right way. The results from our tests (speed, unblocking, and other benchmarks) vary as time goes by – which makes consistent re-resting a must.

During our tests, we put VPNs through their paces with a variety of tests designed to weed out the bad, the good, and the best of the best that we’re happy to recommend.

Tested by

Meet the experts behind our UAE and Dubai VPN guide:

Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there’s a skeleton in the closet, he’ll find it.

FAQs

Are VPNs illegal in the UAE?

Due to how heavily the UAE relies on the use of VPN in businesses, the government has not outright banned them. The use of a VPN, therefore, is not illegal.

That said, like in just about any country where a VPN is legal, that doesn’t automatically give you a safety net if you’re found to be committing crimes behind a VPN.

It has been stated those using a VPN for the “purpose of committing a crime or prevent its discovery” could face a fine of up to AED2,000,000. That’s about $500,000. It is worth noting that also accessing restricted content such as dating, gambling, pornography, drugs, and VoIP websites is against the law in the UAE and sanctionable with fines.

We do not condone breaking the law, and it is at the user’s discretion to determine the risk of using a VPN.

Are VPNs working in the UAE?

VPN services are facing more and more obstacles to operate within the country. And that’s why the UAE government is actively blocking personal VPN usage to prevent people to bypass the restrictions in place.

The situation is complex and ever-changing, with VPN providers doping the best they can to find new ways to escape these blocks.

The good news is that some of the VPN services listed here useobfuscated serversable to evade VPN detection. Plus, they all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try them out without losing any money.

Why should you download a UAE VPN?

As outlined, there are a number of reasons having a VPN for the UAE and Dubai is a good idea. With the ability to bypass internet censorship and access content, you can also use the usual messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and so on and work around Etisalat and Du’s monopoly of the VoIP market.

Of course, as is a popular perk of a VPN, you can stream even more, including live sporting events, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and more when outside the country. Great for travelers and expats especially, this allows you to access broadcasts from your home country by virtually relocating thanks to astreaming VPN.

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com

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The best UAE and Dubai VPN in 2024#

The 5 best UAE VPNs: quick overview#

The best UAE/Dubai VPN for 2024:#

The best VPN overall#

1.NordVPN#

The best VPN for beginners#

2.ExpressVPN#

The best cheap VPN service#

3.Surfshark#

Other VPNs I’ve tested and recommend#

4.Proton VPN#

5.Private Internet Access (PIA)#

How to choose the best UAE and Dubai VPN#

How we test VPN services#

Tested by#

FAQs#

Are VPNs illegal in the UAE?#

Are VPNs working in the UAE?#

Why should you download a UAE VPN?#

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.#