In the face of growing censorship, you need a VPN in Pakistan to stay safe online and prevent authorities from monitoring your online activity. A VPN also gives you access to blocked websites and apps with a single click.
For Pakistan, we tested 20+ VPNs. Here, we present our top five:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Pakistan
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly Pakistan VPN
- CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN for Pakistan with local servers
- ExpressVPN: Secure and established Pakistan VPN
- Private Internet Access: Pakistan VPN with the largest server network
Our number one VPN for Pakistan is NordVPN because of its fantastic unblocking capabilities and enhanced security features like a double VPN that encrypts your data twice!
Read our full article below to learn more about the best VPN for Pakistan and what each of our top five VPNs have to offer.
Internet censorship in Pakistan is on the rise. With an ever-changing media landscape and growing government surveillance, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the best way to stay safe online and get around censorship restrictions.
With a VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic and get access to blocked websites and social media apps. Whether you’re a Pakistani citizen or visiting the country for a holiday or business, a VPN is key in keeping you safe online.
We tested 20+ VPN providers to determine the best VPNs for Pakistan. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, which can unblock your favorite websites and services and has a 30-day free trial if you make use of the money-back guarantee.
Which VPN Is Best for Pakistan?
Based on our extensive tests, the best VPN for Pakistan is NordVPN. Below we show you what we discovered about the different features of the premium VPN providers we tested.
| Features | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | ExpressVPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,400+ | 3,200+ | 9,700+ | 3,000+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries | 60 | 100 | 91 | 94 | 84 |
| Unblocks Netflix | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dedicated IP | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Mobile app | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP |
| Price | From $3.99/month | From $2.30/month | From $2.19/month | From $6.67/month | From $2.11/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
Below, we will highlight each VPN separately.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Pakistan
What We Like
- Zero-logs VPN (verified)
- 5,400+ servers: unblocks all major sites
- Stream local and global programming
- OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx (WireGuard) protocols
What We Don't Like
- No local servers in Pakistan
Our number one VPN recommendation for Pakistan is NordVPN. This VPN giant consistently beats the competition in our tests, thanks to its fast servers, large server network (5,400 servers in 60 countries), wide range of security features, and strong encryption. You can’t go wrong with NordVPN as a Pakistan VPN!
In terms of privacy, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that ensures data privacy. All NordVPN servers are encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption. They offer DNS leak protection to stop sensitive data from leaking from your device, and plenty of additional security features, including a kill switch, a split tunnel feature that allows you to run only part of your traffic via a VPN, as well as a double VPN for extra protection.
NordVPN is also a great VPN for streaming Pakistani TV and international content. The VPN managed to unblock any website and app we wanted, including TikTok and Twitter. The mobile app is very easy to use! You won’t even notice it running in the background of your device.
Paying for a NordVPN subscription is made easy for users from Pakistan. You can use Sadapay to purchase your plan and won’t have to worry about foreign cards.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
If you make use of NordVPN’s free trial which comes in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can use the VPN for a month to test it out.
2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Pakistan
What We Like
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- CleanWeb blocks malware and ads
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard protocols
What We Don't Like
- Relatively new VPN (2018)
Are you looking for a budget-friendly VPN you can use on as many devices as you want? Then Surfshark is the best VPN for Pakistan for you. It is one of the most affordable, premium VPN providers in existence. More importantly, you get so much bang for your buck!
Surfshark’s server network of 3,200+ servers across the world will give you access to any content you might be looking for, from news to entertainment. Any time we test Surfshark, we’re impressed by how easily the VPN unblocks websites and apps.
Whether you want to binge on international Netflix libraries or watch local programming on Geo News or Aan TV with a Pakistan IP address when you’re abroad, Surfshark makes streaming easy.
Moreover, Surfshark is a very easy VPN to use. We found the mobile apps for iOS and Android very intuitive and they allowed us to establish a VPN connection with a single click. You can use one Surfshark account on as many devices as you like, making it the perfect VPN for family and friends.
Of course, you don’t need to worry about security either. Surfshark has a built-in ad blocker known as CleanWeb and plenty of other security features, including a kill switch that will cut you off from the internet if the VPN malfunctions. With Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode, we could hide the fact that we were using a VPN service (obfuscation). Surfshark also has a NoBorders feature for high-censorship areas.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
You can try Surfshark for free for 30 days without having to commit to anything.
3. CyberGhost: Cheap VPN with Pakistan servers
What We Like
- 9,700+ servers (including 10 in Pakistan)
- Dedicated IP addresses
- 45-day money back guarantee
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard protocols
What We Don't Like
- No obfuscation feature; NoSpy costs extra
If you want to find a good Pakistan VPN, CyberGhost is an excellent pick. This VPN has an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more than most providers offer. You can test all of its security features, enjoy its huge server network, and unblock any website you want for 45 days without paying a cent.
We recommend CyberGhost as a user-friendly VPN for Pakistan that covers all bases. We could unblock content from around the world by connecting to its many servers, including local servers in Karachi that provided us with a Pakistan IP address.
Safely conduct online transactions on your Standard Chartered or United Bank Limited accounts, and watch local TV shows on channels like HNow Entertainment and PTV National.
In terms of security, CyberGhost won’t let you down either. Their strict no-logs policy kept our data and IP address private. Since CyberGhost is located in Romania, you won’t have to worry about data retention in the 14 Eyes alliance. We tested CyberGhost extensively and didn’t experience any DNS or IP leaks.
It’s also possible to request a dedicated IP address from CyberGhost. This makes it easier to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, which comes in handy when trying to unblock sites or apps. While CyberGhost doesn’t have a real obfuscation feature, they do have NoSpy servers. This costs a bit more and is only available on long-term subscriptions.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
Want to see for yourself what this VPN is about? Make use of the 45-day money-back guarantee today and try CyberGhost for free!
4. ExpressVPN: Secure and private VPN for Pakistan
What We Like
- Local servers in Pakistan
- Split tunneling feature
- TrustedServer tech wipes data with every reboot
- OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway protocols
What We Don't Like
- Comparatively more expensive
Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is a long-standing VPN provider that is known for its robust security and well-designed software. When it comes to unblocking, ExpressVPN can certainly get the job done. Against Pakistan censorship, this VPN giant can easily push back.
To get it out of the way—the main downside of ExpressVPN is the cost. In comparison to other VPN services, ExpressVPN is on the pricier side. However, for the money you pay, you do get access to a secure and reliable VPN. ExpressVPN uses top-notch encryption. It offers a built-in kill switch and obfuscated servers, which are very useful to hide VPN use in Pakistan.
With 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries, including Pakistan, ExpressVPN covers the globe. We were able to stream our favorite shows on A-Plus TV as well as access popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video from anywhere. In our speed tests, ExpressVPN always performs well, meaning you won’t have to worry about any lagging!
ExpressVPN is a great Pakistan VPN provider that is compatible with all major operating systems. If you use ExpressVPN’s mobile app, you’ll be able to make safe online transactions, stay safe on public Wi-Fi, and enjoy private browsing.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
Like its competitors, ExpressVPN is also available for free for 30 days so you can try all its advanced features today.
5. Private Internet Access: VPN for Pakistan with a large server network
What We Like
- Largest server network: 33,000+ servers
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Open-source transparency
- OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP protocols
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't unblock as easily as other VPNs
- Speeds can vary
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider that helps you browse the internet anonymously. You get a great security package for a very affordable price. On top of that, PIA offers full transparency by letting VPN users check the source code. This is a clear sign that the company cares about your privacy!
What makes PIA a good VPN for Pakistan? Thanks to the size of its server network of over 33,000 servers, we got access to content from around the world. Streaming services were not always as easily unblocked by PIA as by other providers, but this VPN still got the job done in most cases. Moreover, PIA’s 24/7 live chat customer service was always willing to help us out with anything we needed.
You can get the Private Internet Access app on any device, including iOS and Android. You can also make use of its useful browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that users in Pakistan can start today! You can read more about it in our PIA review.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Pakistan
We picked the best VPN for Pakistan by thoroughly testing each VPN’s security features. On top of that, we considered how well each Pakistan VPN could unblock local and global services.
When selecting the best VPNs for Pakistan, we looked for the following factors:
- Security: With censorship on the rise, a VPN for Pakistan needs to run on the safest VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard) and have excellent encryption (256-bit AES encryption). Considering ISP monitoring and Pakistan’s general political climate, it is also essential that a VPN service actually hides your IP address.
- Privacy: The best VPNs are so-called zero logs VPNs. This means they don’t collect or store any personal data. NordVPN, for example, uses RAM-only servers that automatically discard your data—a great plus in a country like Pakistan, where surveillance is growing.
- Server network and unblocking capacities: In the face of censorship, it’s important that your VPN for Pakistan unblocks restricted websites, social media apps, and streaming services. If you want access to global content, a large server network is essential.
- Mobile app and ease of use: If you’re in Pakistan, it’s likely you connect most often to the internet via your phone. For mobile users, we want to make sure that your Pakistan VPN has a great app that runs smoothly and is easy to use. The same goes for expats and people traveling to Pakistan; you want to be able to connect to your VPN with one simple click.
- Affordability: Finally, we want to make sure you don’t have to pay tons of money for your VPN. NordVPN subscriptions start at $3.99, and providers like Surfshark and CyberGhost are even cheaper. Online privacy should be accessible to anyone.
The VPNs in this article score highly on each of these fronts. To make things even easier, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide below for installing a VPN for Pakistan.
How to Install a VPN for Pakistan
Installing a VPN for Pakistan is very easy. All you need to do is follow these quick steps:
- Go to the NordVPN website and choose a subscription. We consider NordVPN the best VPN for Pakistan.
- Sign up with your email address and enter your payment details.
- Download the right software for your device. Nord offers apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Log in with the account you just created.
- Open the NordVPN app and connect to any VPN server you like to start using your VPN.
Your VPN traffic will be automatically encrypted and you’ll be able to bypass online censorship and circumvent geo-restrictions.
Why Use a VPN Service in Pakistan?
In 2016, the Pakistani government took extensive control of (online) media by enacting the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). This has brought censorship in Pakistan to unprecedented levels and resulted in increased surveillance and restrictions by the Pakistan telecommunication authority.
Under the pretext of protecting people from fake news and cybercrime, the act also allows internet service providers (ISPs) to hold onto user data for the length of a full year.
People in Pakistan will find any website containing content that is considered offensive or illegal, inaccessible. This includes politically and religiously sensitive content, pornography, and anti-Islamic content. Social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook are regularly banned or restricted.
In February 2023, Pakistan even banned Wikipedia for “sacrilegious content.”
Why use a VPN in Pakistan? In the face of censorship, a VPN is useful for people in Pakistan on two main fronts:
- A VPN allows you to unblock any app or website that is blocked. All you need to do is connect to a server in another country. With a VPN, you can access restricted online content, including independent news and other blocked sites.
- With a VPN, your online activity will be private, meaning your internet service provider (or any other party) will not be able to access it. A VPN changes your IP address and routes your traffic via an encrypted tunnel.
On top of that, the best VPNs for Pakistan will come with additional security features, such as malware protection, ad blockers, and even dark web monitoring. You can even use a VPN to save money when shopping online.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Pakistan?
Unfortunately, free VPN services don’t always offer the same level of protection as paid VPNs. While there are certainly good free VPNs for specific purposes, we don’t recommend using a free VPN in Pakistan.
Here’s why:
- Security vulnerabilities: The security features of a free VPN are often not on par with those of a paid service. In fact, free VPN providers might log your data and sell it to advertisers. This puts your privacy at risk.
- Limited bandwidth or data caps: Most of the time, free VPNs have certain limitations in terms of using the service. This can be a data cap (say, 10 GB per month) or bandwidth restrictions. For unlimited bandwidth, you’ll have to pay for a VPN.
- Small server network: Generally, free VPNs only give you access to a couple of global VPN servers. This means you won’t be able to unblock content from around the world. Moreover, the few servers that exist can easily get overcrowded, since everyone will use the same ones.
- Unreliable connection and slow speeds: Finally, it’s important to know that free VPNs don’t run as smoothly as paid services. Lagging and crashes are not uncommon—not ideal for a pleasant browsing experience.
Though a free Pakistan VPN might be a tempting option, always make sure to consider the risks and weigh the benefits against the risks. You’ll likely have to deal with poor encryption, shaky security, and potential data leaks.
Having tested free VPNs for all sorts of purposes, it’s safe to say that users in Pakistan are better off with a premium and reliable VPN.
For NordVPN, the best VPN for Pakistan, you can make use of the money-back guarantee to test the VPN risk-free.
Are VPNs Legal in Pakistan?
Using a VPN in Pakistan, in principle, is perfectly legal. There are no laws banning the use of VPNs. Unless you use your VPN for illegal online activity, you shouldn’t be at risk. Make sure you use your VPN responsibly. If you’re in doubt, it’s always safer to read up on local legislation.
Note:
It has been speculated that the Pakistani authorities might be monitoring VPN use, though there hasn’t been any proof.
As long as you don’t venture into risky territory online, a VPN is a great way to protect your privacy, watch your favorite shows and movies, and make safe online transactions.
VPNs to Avoid
For users in Pakistan, it’s just as important to know which VPNs to avoid, as it is to know which VPNs are safe to use. After all, not all VPNs are created equal.
Stay wary of the following VPN services!
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Beet VPN | This VPN keeps extensive user logs, making it risky for your privacy. |
| VPN Gate | Logs your real IP address and tracks your online activity. |
| Speedify VPN | Connection is too unstable; crippling speed drops. |
| Tuxler VPN | Not a safe and private VPN; lacks many essential security features. |
If you care about your online privacy and security, it’s best to stay away from these VPNs.
Overcome Strict Internet Censorship: Best VPN for Pakistan
Without a VPN in Pakistan, you’ll find many websites, apps, and online services blocked. As a result of growing censorship by the Pakistan telecommunication authority, citizens’ online activity is increasingly being monitored and tracked.
A VPN hides your real IP address, protects you against malware and tracking, and allows you to unblock local and global sites and apps. For Pakistan, we tested over 20 VPNs to find you the best VPN recommendations. Based on our extensive tests, we found NordVPN to be the best VPN for Pakistan overall.
With NordVPN, you’ll get a great deal, an excellent mobile VPN app, and impressive security features that will absolutely improve your online security.
If you want to know more about the best VPNs in countries with strict censorship, check out our articles below:
- Best VPN for Russia: Reclaim Your Internet Freedom
- The Best VPNs for China (20+ Tested)
- Best VPN for Iran: Safely Bypass Internet Censorship
- The Best VPNs for Spain: Our 7 Top Picks (70+ VPNs Tested)
Do you have any questions about using a VPN in Pakistan? Check out our FAQ below for some quick answers or leave us a comment below!
Pakistan bans websites and apps on political, religious, and cultural grounds. Major social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter are periodically banned or restricted. In early 2023, Wikipedia got blocked for “blasphemous” content.
No, VPNs are not banned in Pakistan. You can use a VPN in Pakistan, as long as you don’t use it to break any laws. For more information check out our article about the best VPNs for Pakistan.
The best VPN for Pakistan is NordVPN. This VPN encrypts all your traffic, unblocks restricted sites and apps, and lets you browse the web privately. On top of that, the mobile app is fast and very easy to use.
We don’t recommend using a free VPN for Pakistan because of privacy and security risks. A free VPN comes with limitations, including data collection, faulty software, data caps, and a limited server network. There are good free VPNs out there, but you should consider the risks.
