Using the internet in Bahrain comes with its fair share of problems. Aside from the usual issue of encountering region-locked websites and services, you’ll find that some online content is censored by the government. In fact, Bahrain is a country with an extremely low level of internet freedom. Violations of the rights of internet users are also common. That’s why it’s so important to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while browsing the web or streaming in Bahrain.
So how can a VPN help? Simply, a VPN is a service that secures your internet traffic, routing it through an encrypted tunnel to a server somewhere else in the world. This protects your data and, by extension, your identity from hackers and snoopers. When you connect to a VPN server, you receive a new IP address. Aside from allowing you to browse anonymously, this lets you spoof your location and access online content that would otherwise be blocked in your country.
Need a VPN for Bahrain as soon as possible? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs to use (if you need more information, we’ve also provided full reviews further below).
Best VPNs for Bahrain:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Bahrain. Over 5,000 servers. Very fast server speeds. 24/7 support and Double VPN servers. Strict no-logs policy and secure with high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN. Unlimited devices per account. Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more. Strong security with Double VPN servers. 24/7 live chat support included.
- ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries. Strong unblocking ability and fast speeds. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Uses encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs.
- CyberGhost: Nearly 7,000 servers in 89 countries. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 live chat support available. Connect up to seven devices at once.
- IPVanish: Good, consistent speeds and unblocks Netflix US. Unlimited devices per account. Security includes a zero-logs policy and encryption. 24/7 live chat support.
- PrivateVPN: Fast speeds for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Very easy to use apps and live chat and email support. Protects privacy with its strict no-logs policy.
- Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries. Works with Amazon Prime and Hulu. 24/7 support included. Beginner-friendly apps and doesn’t keep identifying logs of users.
Due to Bahrain’s high level of censorship and repression, choosing the right VPN is particularly important. We found the best VPNs for Bahrain by only selecting those that are able to provide all of the following:
- Servers in dozens of countries worldwide
- Good, consistent speeds for streaming
- High-end encryption for your data’s security
- Privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy
- Customer support via live chat and email
- Multiple simultaneous connections per account
Best VPNs for Bahrain
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Bahrain:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN provides plenty of choice with its network of well over 5,000 servers. These servers are spread across nearly 60 countries, making it great for unblocking a wide range of geo-restricted content worldwide. Just as important, NordVPN has very fast server speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth. This allows for seamless browsing and lag-free streaming. Further, this VPN’s strong unblocking abilities let you use the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer abroad.
With NordVPN, you can choose between various specialty servers. This includes those that are optimized for P2P traffic as well as Double VPN servers that offer an extra layer of encryption. 24/7 support is available via live chat and users have the option to secure up to six devices at once. NordVPN will keep you safe online in Bahrain; aside from a strict no-logs policy, it boasts 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, a tracker-blocker, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks.
NordVPN’s user-friendly apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required in order to use NordVPN with your wireless router.
Pros:
- Over 5,000 servers for accessing websites around the world
- Very fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming and torrenting
- Strong unblocking — works with the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN
- Includes 24/7 support via live chat and email
- Strong security includes high-end encryption and strict no-logs policy
Cons:
- Can only select a location rather than a specific server
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR BAHRAIN:NordVPN is our preferred choice. 5,000+ servers. Very fast speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth. Stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in Bahrain. Strong privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has grown considerably in recent years, expanding its network to over 3,000 servers in total. You’ll find servers in approximately 65 countries including the US, which means it’s ideal for unblocking streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. This VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth which means you shouldn’t have any issues while streaming or torrenting. What’s more, you can protect as many devices as you want at once.
This provider offers excellent apps and plenty of features that ensure your online security in Bahrain. For starters, they use 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to hide your activities from snoopers. This VPN’s strict no-logs policy means that, even if requested, there’s absolutely no information to provide. MultiHop (Double VPN) servers are also available if you’d like an extra layer of security. If you need any assistance, Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support.
To use Surfshark, simply download an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Surfshark is compatible with select routers but manual installation is required.
Pros:
- Growing network of over 3,000 servers across 65 countries
- Reliable unblocking of streaming services including Netflix
- Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
- MultiHop (Double VPN) servers for an extra layer of encryption
- Live chat and email support, 24/7
Cons:
- Switching servers can be a little slow
Our score:
BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has over 3,000 servers and unblocks Netflix. Beginner-friendly VPN with excellent apps and 24/7 support. Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Double VPN servers available. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has one of the larger networks of servers of any VPN. With some 3,000 servers in 160 locations and 94 countries, it’s an excellent choice for bypassing content restrictions. However, just as important as the quantity of servers is the quality of the connections. With ExpressVPN, you can expect fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This combination results in fast, reliable speeds: exactly what you want for streaming Netflix or using uTorrent.
This VPN includes excellent 24/7 support via live chat and email. Of course, protecting your privacy is particularly important in Bahrain. The good news is that ExpressVPN helps you do this with its various security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN isn’t subject to mandatory data retention laws. Regardless, it doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users, and you can pay in Bitcoin if you’d like.
Secure up to five devices at once via ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also the option of browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox as well as custom firmware for routers.
Pros:
- Bypass restrictions with a network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming
- Works with popular streaming services including Netflix
- Beginner-friendly with excellent apps and 24/7 live chat support
- Uses high-end encryption to secure your data from snoopers
Cons:
- One of the more expensive VPNs on the market
Our score:
SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Excellent apps and 24/7 support included. Keeps you safe in Bahrain with high-end encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost offers more servers in more countries than the majority of VPNs on the market. With its network of over 6,400 servers in 90 countries, you can use this VPN to unblock most region-locked content you’re likely to come across. Better still, CyberGhost provides fast, reliable connections for streaming as well as torrenting. Its strong unblocking ability is ideal for bypassing the strict restrictions in Bahrain. In particular, it works well with Netflix US.
If you’re seeking a high level of security while browsing in Bahrain, CyberGhost is a safe choice. That’s because it has all of the essential security features including 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and an automatic kill switch. Notably, this VPN operates a strict no-logs policy. What’s more, it has independently operated “NoSpy” servers, offering reduced risk of interference from third parties. 24/7 support is also available over email and live chat.
With CyberGhost, you can secure seven devices simultaneously by using the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox although manual setup is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- Huge network of 6,400+ servers in 90 countries
- High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth
- Connect up to seven devices at the same time
- 24/7 live chat and email support
- Lots of security features including a strict no-logs policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- May struggle to unblock some versions of Netflix
Our score:
VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost provides roughly 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Reliable unblocking and high-speed connections for streaming. Secure up to seven devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs policy for anonymity. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Needless to say, this VPN is ideal for sharing with family. Overall, it has over 1,600 servers which are located in dozens of countries. With a particularly strong presence in the US (where IPVanish is headquartered), IPVanish is well placed to unblock US streaming services such as Netflix. Servers are as reliable as they are fast, meaning this VPN is a solid choice for lag-free streaming.
This VPN lets you automatically connect to the fastest available server, making it a very user-friendly choice. Live chat support is available 24/7 should you run into any issues. Security-wise, IPVanish will protect your privacy with its use of 256-bit AES encryption. Aside from DNS leak protection and a kill switch, there’s a zero-logs policy. As such, you’re protected from hackers, snoopers, or indeed the Bahrain government.
IPVanish apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV. IPVanish provides setup guides for manual installation with Linux and compatible routers.
Pros:
- Secure as many devices as you want at the same time
- Lots of servers in the United States for unblocking Netflix US
- Includes 24/7 support via live chat
- Security features include encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t unblock as many streaming services as its rivals
- Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member
Our score:
UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is fast and works well with Netflix US. Servers in dozens of countries for accessing content outside Bahrain. Connect as many devices as you’d like. 24/7 support available. Zero-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a VPN with fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for streaming, be it Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+. While its network consists of only a little over 150 servers, these are spread across 60 countries. This means you can use PrivateVPN to unblock content from all around the world. Once signed up for an account, you’ll even be able to use it on up to six devices at the same time.
It’s very easy to find and connect to a PrivateVPN server, although the apps offer both simple and advanced menus to cater to users of all levels of experience. This VPN provides live chat support most hours of the day while its email support typically responds to queries within the hour. The advanced security features PrivateVPN uses should provide peace of mind whether you’re in Bahrain or elsewhere. There’s a strict no logs policy as well as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
PrivateVPN apps are available for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). It’s also possible to use it with Linux and some wireless routers. In this case, manual setup is required.
Pros:
- Good, consistent speeds for browsing and streaming
- Watch the likes of Netflix and Disney+ from abroad
- Easy-to-use apps and live chat support
- Strict no-logs policy keeps ensures your online privacy
Cons:
- Very small network of just over 100 servers
- Limited selection of apps with no browser extensions
Our score:
STRONG UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with popular streaming services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. User-friendly desktop and mobile apps secured with high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Hotspot Shield has approximately 1,800 servers in as many as 80 countries. Most notably, its servers cover over two dozen US cities for easy unblocking and streaming of Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. What’s more, good speeds means you won’t face too many interruptions. It’s also worth knowing that with a single Hotspot Shield account, you can secure up to five of your devices simultaneously.
One advantage of Hotspot Shield, particularly over many free VPNs, is that it includes live chat support. This is available 24 hours a day. The Hotspot Shield apps are secured with 256-bit AES encryption and protect you from DNS leaks. Aside from a kill switch, this VPN provider doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user — particularly important in countries with limited internet freedom such as Bahrain.
You can connect to Hotspot Shield’s servers by using the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Another option is to use the Chrome browser extension. To use Hotspot Shield with your router, you’ll need to follow instructions provided in the manual setup guide.
Pros:
- Access content around the world with servers in 80 countries
- Stream the likes of Amazon Prime and Hulu while in Bahrain
- Contact customer support 24/7 via live chat and email
- Encryption ensures your data cannot be compromised
Cons:
- Privacy policy lacks transparency
- Not the best option for Netflix
Our score:
SERVERS IN 80 COUNTRIES:Hotspot Shield allows access to region-locked content worldwide. Servers in 80 countries and works with Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. Live chat support available 24/7. Uses encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
How to use a VPN in Bahrain
Within a matter of minutes, you can be unblocking geo-restricted websites and enjoying improved online privacy. Below, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to save you some time:
Here’s how you can use a VPN in Bahrain:
- First, sign up with one of the VPN providers listed. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
- Next, download and install the VPN, making sure you’ve selected the appropriate version for your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the US if you’d like a US IP address.
- Go to the website or service that you’re trying to unblock. Its content should now be available without restriction.
- Still not working? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Alternatively, connect to another server or contact your VPN’s customer support.
TRY A PAID VPN FREE: Not sure which VPN best fits your needs? You can always try out NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. This requires payment upfront but, if you change your mind, you have a full 30 days to request a full refund.
Best VPNs for Bahrain: FAQs
Why do I need a VPN in Bahrain?
According to the Freedom on the Net 2020 report by Freedom House, Bahrain has a score of just 29/100 and is classed as “not free”. This is in part due to the restricted internet freedom in the country. Many websites and services are blocked by the government, particularly those that are political in nature. Some messaging and live-streaming apps have also been blocked by authorities. On top of government censorship, there’s also the usual geo-blocking used by platforms like Netflix. As such, a VPN is required in order to bypass all of these restrictions.
Aside from limits on content, there are security concerns. Citizens have been pressured to remove content they’ve posted online. In some cases, citizens have even been arrested and jailed. There’s also an increasing level of state surveillance with reports of the government’s use of spyware. Needless to say, using a VPN to encrypt your data is important if you don’t want it falling in the wrong hands. Furthermore, unlike ISPs in Bahrain, the best VPNs for Bahrain have a strict no-logs policy. This lets you browse freely with your privacy intact.
Can I use a free VPN in Bahrain?
We strongly advise against using a free VPN in Bahrain. The fact is that they’re just not worth the hassle. For starters, most free VPNs offer only a limited network of servers, making unblocking content from many locations impossible. Servers are also slow due to the high number of users. This is most obvious during streaming when you’ll encounter performance issues including lag and buffering.
However, the main reason to avoid free VPNs in Bahrain are those related to security. The rights of internet users are frequently violated with citizens arrested and prosecuted for what they post online. There’s also a high level of state surveillance. Free VPNs don’t help you avoid these issues, particularly because some don’t even encrypt your data or protect you from leaks. Some free VPN services even log and sell your data which is particularly dangerous in a country like Bahrain.
Are VPNs illegal in Bahrain?
Despite strict internet censorship in the country, VPNs are legal in Bahrain. However, the government has restricted the use of many VPNs. In particular, the websites of some popular VPN providers are blocked. This means that you may need to download a particular VPN before traveling to Bahrain in order to bypass restrictions.
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