Despite having laws that protect freedom of expression, Nigeria is a country that engages in high levels of censorship. For example, even expressing dissenting opinions or accessing content critical of The Government can be risky. In this guide, we will explain how to bypass internet restrictions imposed on users with a VPN for Lagos.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an internet privacy tool that people use to prevent government surveillance in Nigeria. A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and proxying your DNS requests so that your ISP, Wi-Fi networks, and government snoops can’t monitor what you do online.
A VPN also allows you to get an IP address overseas. This lets you access online services and streaming platforms that are subject to geo-restrictions, perfect for when you’re traveling abroad.
If you don’t have the time for a full analysis, check out a quick overview of the best VPNs for Lagos below.
Best VPNs for Lagos:
- NordVPN: Our top VPN for Lagos. A highly reliable VPN with advanced privacy features. Apps for all platforms. Super-fast NordLynx protocol. Kill-switch and obfuscated servers. AES-256 encryption (OpenVPN protocol). Servers in 59 countries. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best value option. Fast connections. Kill-switch. Obfuscation (camouflage mode). AES-256 encryption. Protects your privacy at home and on public Wi-Fi. No logs policy. Works with Netflix US in Lagos. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN: A popular and versatile VPN for Lagos. Servers in 94 countries including Africa and the Middle East. Zero logs. Obfuscation and a kill-switch. Super-fast Lightway protocol (default). Permits torrenting. 24/7 live chat support.
- CyberGhost: Superb for beginners. Servers in 88 countries. IPs in Lagos to use local services privately. Works with Hulu, iPlayer and Netflix. OpenVPN protocol with AES encryption. Kill-switch. 45-day money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish: US-based VPN with a proprietary network. 5 servers in Lagos, Nigeria. Apps for all platforms. No logs policy. Kill-switch. XOR Obfuscation. OpenVPN protocol. Live chat support.
- PrivateVPN: A solid performer with servers in Lagos. Based in Sweden. No logs policy. Apps for all platforms. Easy to use. Works with over a dozen Netflix regions. Excellent cost to performance ratio. Money back guarantee.
- Hotspot Shield: Servers in Africa (Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa). Fast Catapult Hydra protocol. Works with Netflix US. 45-day money back guarantee.
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Best VPNs for Lagos
We have selected the best VPNs for Lagos using the criteria below:
- Servers located in (or close to) Nigeria
- Apps for all major operating systems
- Strong encryption and a kill switch to provide reliable privacy
- Fast connections suitable for streaming in HD
- Obfuscation to conceal VPN use from your ISP
- Outstanding value for money
We will provide additional information about how we tested and selected VPNs for Lagos later in this article.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Lagos:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top VPN for Lagos. It’s a highly popular VPN service based in Panama. It is a no logs provider that has apps for all platforms with advanced privacy features. The VPN also has guides for connecting to the VPN on routers, and for installing the service on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and smart TVs.
Unfortunately NordVPN does not have servers in Nigeria. However, it has servers in South Africa, the UAE, and Turkey which should allow you to get decent speeds from Lagos. Despite this slight drawback, many consumers in Lagos enjoy using this VPN because of its extensive features.
NordVPN’s apps come with a kill-switch, obfuscated servers, the OpenVPN protocol (must be toggled on in settings), DNS leak protection, split tunneling, double hop connections for added privacy, and VPN over Tor. This makes Nord the most advanced VPN for Lagos.
It also comes set to its NordLynx protocol by default, which ensures you get some of the fastest VPN speeds available on the market. And it is one of the few services that works with Netflix, Prime, Hulu, iPlayer, HBO Max, and other popular services. You can test it yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- NordLynx protocol for faster connections
- Apps for all platforms with advanced features
- Works with Netflix
- Zero logs policy
- Servers in 59 countries
Cons:
- More expensive on the shorter plans
Our score:
THE BEST VPN FOR LAGOS:NordVPN is a great choice for those who want advanced privacy features. Super-fast NordLynxy protocol. Servers close to Nigeria. Works with Netflix. Obfuscated servers, OpenVPN protocol, Kill-switch, double hop connections. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great value VPN for Lagos for several reasons. It is easy to use across all platforms, and it has superb apps with advanced privacy features. This makes it suitable for gaining privacy both at home and on public Wi-Fi, and to ensure you don’t fall victim to hackers on hotspots.
Surfshark offers superb value for money because you can use it on an unlimited number of devices. It has servers in Nigeria to ensure that you can gain privacy even when using local services. It is a no logs VPN, which ensures that it stores no details about what you do online.
You also get 24/7 live chat support and the agents are extremely knowledgeable. In addition, the VPN has guides for using the VPN on routers, smart TVs, and other devices.
Pros:
- Permits torrenting
- Servers in the 60+ countries
- Cheapest VPN with servers in Nigeria
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Super fast WireGuard protocol
Cons:
- Some servers take longer to connect
Our score:
BEST VALUE CHOICE:Superb value for money. Servers in Nigeria to gain privacy in Lagos. Works with Netflix. Optimized for torrenting. Lightning fast speeds. No logs policy. AES-256 encryption. Obfuscation and a kill-switch. 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 is a provider based in the British Virgin Islands – a popular location that is considered ideal for privacy purposes because of its lack of mandatory data retention directives. The service has apps for all platforms that come with a kill-switch, obfuscation (Lightway and OpenVPN protocols only), DNS leak protection, and robust AES-256 encryption.
The VPN can easily be installed on both PCs and mobile devices to ensure you can always gain privacy while in Lagos. And it has military grade encryption to ensure you are protected against hackers on public Wi-Fi (and can prevent surveillance capitalism at the hands of Wi-Fi providers).
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries that are perfect for bypassing censorship and accessing geo-restricted content. However, it does not have any servers in Nigeria so please only subscribe if you are happy using servers in nearby Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa.
Pros:
- No quibbles 30-day money back guarantee
- Kill switch and obfuscation
- Fast servers in 94 countries
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- No kill-switch on iOS
- 5 simultaneous connections only
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is highly popular. Servers in 94 countries, including in Africa and the Middle East. Watertight no logs policy. Obfuscation available for OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Kill-switch. Fast for streaming. Works with two dozen Netflix regions. 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 is a provider based in Romania that is perfect for VPN beginners living in Lagos. The VPN has apps for all platforms that are uncomplicated and easy to use. Those apps have the privacy features required to use the internet without ISP or government tracking. This includes a no logs policy, a kill-switch, and military grade AES-256 encryption (OpenVPN protocol).
CyberGhost has servers in 88 countries to allow you to bypass local censorship or access foreign blogs, news, and streaming services. Despite the low cost of a longer subscription, CyberGhost works with popular international services like Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, and HBO Max. This makes it a great all rounder.
To ensure that anybody can use the VPN, this service has live chat support. It also has guides for setting up and using the VPN on a wealth of different devices. This includes routers, consoles, and media devices like the Amazon Firestick and Apple TV.
What’s more, this VPN has 11 servers in Lagos to ensure you can gain privacy while using local services. Plus, it has everything you need to remain secure when using the internet at home, via mobile data, or on public hotspots. You can test it yourself using its 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Outstanding VPN for beginners
- Low-cost subscriptions
- No logs policy
- Works with Netflix and iPlayer
- AES-256 encryption and a kill-switch
Cons:
- No port forwarding
- Some servers are slower than others
Our score:
IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is a reliable VPN for anybody that is new to VPNs. Has all the important features to gain privacy and prevent censorship in Nigeria. 11 servers in Lagos to gain better speeds. OpenVPN protocol. Kill-switch. Permits torrenting. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a provider based in the US. It has a proven track record of providing privacy for its users. It is a no logs VPN with apps for all platforms that come with advanced features like a kill-switch, XOR obfuscation, and strong AES encryption.
This makes IPVanish suitable for bypassing censorship and for gaining privacy in Nigeria. Plus this VPN has a choice of servers in Lagos to ensure you can always gain privacy while using local internet services.
Perhaps the only drawback is that it does not provide access to international Netflix catalogs (it does work with Netflix US though), Hulu, or iPlayer. So if you want a VPN for streaming we tend to recommend shopping elsewhere. That said, it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can compare it to our other recommendations yourself.
Pros:
- 5 servers in Lagos
- Fast for streaming in HD
- Permits torrenting
- Zero logs
- XOR obfuscation and a kill-switch
Cons:
- Based in the US
- Split tunneling on Android only
Our score:
PERMITS UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has servers in Nigeria and in 50 other countries. It is easy to use, good for torrenting, and fast for streaming. However, it is not suitable for accessing some popular streaming services. 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 provider based in Sweden that is always praised by consumers. The service has only been around since 2018, but it has quickly risen to be a user-favorite. This is, in part, because of its fantastic apps that provide excellent speeds for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
True to its name, PrivateVPN has a no logs policy. It also implements strong AES-256 encryption, which ensures that what you do online stays private whether you are at home, at work, or on public Wi-Fi. Plus, the OpenVPN tunnel prevents hackers from accessing your data on insecurely implemented public Wi-Fi hotspots.
PrivateVPN has apps for all popular platforms, and you can use it on up to 6 devices simultaneously. This will let you bypass any government blocks, or access international services that are usually geo-restricted. We love that this VPN can access international Netflix catalogs, iPlayer, Hulu, and other popular services.
A great all-rounder with live chat support that is available around 18 hours per day. You can test it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Access Netflix US, UK, and others
- Use up to six devices simultaneously
- Servers in Lagos where you need them
- Reliable encryption and a kill-switch
Cons:
- Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
- Live chat support not 24/7
Our score:
NO LOGS AND STRONG ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN has servers in Lagos. It is fast for streaming. It permits torrenting. And it has apps for all platforms. It also works with Netflix and tons of other international services. 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
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield is a US based provider that is extremely popular. It has apps for all platforms and it is easy to use. While it is a little bit expensive, you can actually get it cheaper by following our link to use our automated coupon to get a better deal.
Upgrading to premium provides access to fast servers in over 80 countries. This includes servers in the US that work to watch Netflix, HBO Max, and other popular streaming services. Also, Hotspot Shield is super fast thanks to its Catapult Hydra protocol. And this VPN permits torrenting throughout its network.
Being based in the US might put some users off. However, Hotspot Shield stores no usage logs, so everything you do online while in Lagos remains completely private.
Finally, this VPN is a little expensive if you purchase it directly through the app or via its website. The good news is that you can get a substantial discount by using the link in this guide. Finally, you can compare this VPN to our other recommendations by making use of its generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Servers in 80+ countries including Africa
- Works with Netflix US
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Lightning fast Catapult Hydra protocol
- No usage logs
Cons:
- No servers in Nigeria
- Based in the US
Our score:
FAST SPEEDS:Hotspot Shield is a fast VPN that is perfect for streaming. It is a secure and private VPN that is great for bypassing censorship in Lagos. Works with Netflix US. Money-back guarantee and a completely free plan.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
Methodology: How we find the best VPNs for Lagos
At Comparitech, we always test each VPN before we recommend it. We recommend all the VPNs in this guide for users in Lagos because they meet the criteria below:
- Servers in Nigeria. VPNs that have servers in Nigeria are fairly rare. The good news is that we have found a number of services that have servers in and around Lagos. Those that don’t were picked because they have fast servers located elsewhere in Africa and nearby in the Middle East.
- Apps for all platforms. We selected VPNs that have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and other popular devices. This lets you use the VPN for privacy no matter which devices you own.
- A zero logs policy. This ensures that the provider keeps no logs about what you do while connected to the VPN.
- Advanced VPN privacy features. We want you to always be safe when you connect to a VPN in Lagos. That is why we have selected VPNs that provide military grade encryption, a kill-switch, and advanced features like obfuscation to conceal VPN use from your ISP.
- Fast speeds and access to streaming services. Fast VPN servers allow you to get the most out of your VPN to stream in HD download faster, and engage in data intensive tasks such as video conferencing privately.
How to use a VPN in Lagos
Once you have chosen a VPN from this guide, you are ready to start enjoying the internet without censorship and with added privacy.
Here’s how to use a VPN in Lagos:
- Choose a VPN from this article and click through to its website. We highly recommend NordVPN.
- Subscribe to the VPN and download the VPN app onto your device
- Choose a server and click the connect button. You will need to select a server in Nigeria if you want a Nigerian IP address.
- Head to your browser or streaming service to check that your VPN is properly connected.
- If you encounter any issues, try clearing your browser cookies and cache.
Lagos VPN FAQ
How bad is censorship in Lagos?
Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube – and most other popular services and social media sites – are still available in Nigeria. However, as of June 5, 2021, the government has enacted an indefinite ban on Twitter. This is a symptom of Nigeria’s declining internet freedoms and ever-increasing censorship problems.
The Nigerian authorities also use legal powers to censor and take down websites, particularly in and around election times and protests. Take downs are authorized by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and the government is seeking to increase the NBC’s censorship powers to include ‘all online media.’
Can I unblock Twitter with a VPN in Lagos?
Yes. A VPN is the best way to unblock Twitter in Nigeria. The encryption provided by a VPN ensures that you can use Twitter without being tracked by your ISP, local network administrators, or the government.
That said, please bear in mind that a VPN can only provide privacy when you use the internet, it cannot provide anonymity. If you log into your Twitter account and use that account in such a way that it is obvious who you are, the government could still find your public posts.
Note: Comparitech does not provide legal advice and illegal online activity is still illegal, even while using a VPN. Be sure to do your own research before using the internet in Nigeria.
Can I use a free VPN in Lagos?
Although there are a few free VPNs that can be trusted, the fact remains that most free VPNs are cowboy services that you should stay away from. The vast majority of free VPNs have been known to have poor data practices that allow them to harvest your data and sell it to third parties.
In addition, this CSIRO study from 2018 reveals that some free VPNs lie about the encryption they provide, have flawed apps that leak, and even lace their apps with spyware. This makes using free VPNs extremely risky.
If you want to try a VPN for free, we highly recommend that you use one of the trial periods offered by the VPNs on this page. That will allow you to get a sense of what a full premium VPN can do.
L’article Best VPN for Lagos in 2022 est apparu en premier sur Comparitech.
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