Internet freedom continues to be restricted in the country of Bahrain, as Freedom House gives the country an aggregate 2021 Freedom on the Net Score of 30/100, which equals a ranking of “Not Free” (0 = least free, 100 = most free).
The Bahrain government has continued to block websites and order the removal of online content, focusing on social media posts that are critical of the country’s government. Law enforcement officials interrogated social media users for their posts, with some citizens being arrested and jailed for their online posts.
State authorities continue to wage war against online journalists and activists, who face intimidation, threats, surveillance and cyberattacks.
In addition to these online restrictions, Bahraini online users face the same threats and inconveniences faced by users around the world, including having their online activities monitored, while also facing geo-restrictions on online content, such as streaming services like Netflix.
Lucky for these Bahraini online users, as well as users around the globe, there is a tool that provides reliable online security and privacy, while opening up access to a world of content from around the world.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, which prevents the government, hackers and other nosy types from tracking your online travels. A VPN worthy of your consideration will also never keep logs of your online activities, meaning there are no records of your activities to be turned over to the government.
A VPN also has the ability to assign a fresh IP address from another country to your connected devices. This makes it appear to the rest of the internet that you are connecting from another country. That opens up access to geo-blocked content that is normally only available in that country.
In this article, I’ll tell you all about the top 5 VPN providers that will protect and enhance your online activities while visiting or living in Bahrain.
How to Use a VPN in Bahrain
By following the easy steps listed below, you can reliably protect and enhance your Bahrain-based internet activities:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
- Install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your favorite connected device(s).
- Sign into the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Bahrain (there are no VPNs with servers based in Bahrain) to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or click “quick connect” to protect your in-country online activities.
- Enjoy your newly secure and enhanced internet freedom!
It should be noted that while the use of a Virtual Private Network is legal in Bahrain, the government actively works to block VPN websites and servers. This is why I recommend that you subscribe to and download the VPN of your choice before entering Bahraini airspace, if possible.
Best VPN Services for Use in Bahrain
These 5 top VPN providers, listed below, offer the best protection and enhancement for your online activities while you’re in Bahrain.
The TL;DR version is as follows:
- NordVPN: This top-ranked VPN provider boasts impressive global server coverage, fast download speeds, and comprehensive online security and privacy. Its fast connections deliver reliable access to content around the globe.
- Surfshark: This budget-priced VPN option boasts a large global server network, unlimited simultaneous connections, fast download speeds, and top-notch security and privacy protections.
- ExpressVPN: This admittedly expensive provider is one of the best VPN providers in the industry. The provider’s impressive global server network delivers fast connections protected with comprehensive encryption and other protections that provide reliable access to geo-blocked content.
- CyberGhost: Easy-to-use apps, high-speed servers with downloading- and streaming-optimized locations, and strong encryption. All of this adds up to a reliable VPN option for first-time VPN users.
- IPVanish: While this provider may not boast the huge global server network that many of its competitors do (although it is working to expand its network), it does provide an extra bit of protection in the privacy column. Its proprietary server network keeps third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal info. Unlimited simultaneous connections are also available here.
When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:
- Global server network
- Security and privacy offerings
- Connection speeds
- App support
- Customer support
Here is my list of the 5 top VPN service providers for Bahraini residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my #1 choice for VPN service while connecting to the internet from inside Bahrain.
With 5,200+ servers in 60 countries around the world, the provider’s global server network offers reliable access to geo-controlled sites and services around the globe. The provider is currently in the process of moving its server network to a self-owned and self-operated model, which will keep third-party contractors away from customers’ personal data.
All NordVPN connections are protected using banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware blocking are also available, and the provider’s NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) is optimized for both security and performance.
NordVPN has an independently-audited no-logs policy, and it accepts cryptocurrency in return for its impressive services. Plus, all NordVPN servers run all operations 100% from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from a server whenever it is rebooted.
NordVPN connection speeds are impressively fast and can easily handle any popular online activities, including video streaming, gaming and sharing of files.
The provider offers native app support for most popular devices, including options for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows device platforms.
Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as are comprehensive router features that protect the rest of your connected devices.
Up to 6 devices can connect at once on a single account.
Always-available customer support includes 24/7 support chat availability, email support and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- 3,200+ servers in 60 countries
- Fast connection speeds
- All server operations run 100% from RAM
- Top-notch privacy and security
- Comprehensive native app support
Cons:
- No servers located in Bahrain
BEST VPN FOR BAHRAIN:NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Bahraini residents and visitors. The provider’s fast connections, top-notch digital security and privacy protections, and reliable access to international content all add up to the top spot for this provider. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark proves comprehensive online security and enhancement, while charging a lower price than most VPN providers that I’ve encountered.
This economy VPN doesn’t skimp on its global server coverage, as it has 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries around the world. The provider unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
Surfshark-provided connections keep your online travels undercover with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, as well as an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A “Multi-Hop” server option routes your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers, providing added anonymity and connection encryption.
The provider’s no-server-logs policy, as well as a Bitcoin payment option, protect your usage and payment privacy.
Surfshark’s connection speeds are fast (the fastest on this list). Its no-data-caps connections can easily handle most popular internet activities, such as streaming, gaming and more.
Native app options include offerings for the Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows and Amazon Fire device platforms. (The company now offers native app support for M1 Macs.) Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, as well as router support, are also available to protect you.
An unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you’ll never run out of options when you require protection for numerous devices all at once.
Around-the-clock customer support options include always-available support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Impressive global server network
- “Multi-Hop” server option adds anonymity
- Comprehensive native device support
Cons:
- Single-month subscription price is priced a bit high
BEST BUDGET-MINDED VPN OPTION:Surfshark is the budget-priced VPN option on this list of 5 but offers a feature set that is just as impressive as most of its higher-priced compatriots. Surfshark’s large global server network, comprehensive online security and privacy, fast connections and unlimited concurrent connections policy make it an attractive choice. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
While it’s true that this well-respected VPN provider charges a premium price for its services, it should also be noted that its service offerings match up well with its closest competitors.
ExpressVPN’s global server network consists of 3,000+ servers stationed in close to 95 countries around the globe. The network offers reliable access to internationally geo-blocked content.
ExpressVPN connections are protected by government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. The provider’s proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to offer top-notch performance and protection.
ExpressVPN’s servers save no user logs of any kind, and the provider accepts cryptocurrency as a more private subscription payment option. Even if ExpressVPN did save logs, it wouldn’t really matter, as it runs all server operations only from RAM, writing no data of any type to a physical hard disk. All data is erased when the servers are rebooted.
ExpressVPN boasts fast connection speeds, easily handling all of your favorite online activities. Unlimited bandwidth and no daily or monthly data caps to be found.
The provider offers native app support for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. ExpressVPN’s router firmware sports a recently redesigned interface, offering an improved user experience.
Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously on a single username.
Customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket tracking system and an easy-to-search knowledge base.
Pros:
- Large global server network
- Fast download speeds
- Comprehensive online privacy and security
- Lightway protocol for improved performance and security
Cons:
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Only 5 simultaneous connections allowed
RELIABLE VPN FOR BAHRAIN:Bahraini internet users willing to pay a bit more will appreciate the top-notch VPN protection that ExpressVPN offers. Fast and well-protected connections are available from the provider’s large server network, which provides reliable access to content around the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent option for rookie VPN users thanks to the provider’s easy-to-use apps.
7,100+ CyberGhost servers cover the globe in 90+ countries. Many of the servers are optimized for streaming and downloading.
CyberGhost’s connection speeds are well above average, easily handling video and music streaming, gaming and file sharing. Unlimited bandwidth is always available, and there are no data caps to deal with here.
The provider protects its customers’ online activities from being monitored by providing military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Malicious website and online tracker blocking is also available, and you can optionally set the VPN to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages.
In addition, the provider recently improved its security suite for Windows. The provider now offers antivirus protection, a “Privacy Guard” that lets you control how much information Windows collects about you, and a “Security Updater,” which notifies you when out-of-date apps need updating.
CyberGhost saves no logs of your online activities, so no one will ever know what you’re doing online. You can also pay with Bitcoin to keep your payment info undercover.
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are available for the Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are also available, as well as excellent router support.
Up to 7 devices can be protected at once on a single account.
Customer support is always there thanks to 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Access to servers around the globe
- Easy-to-use apps for most device platforms
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
- 7 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Has issues working in some overly restrictive countries
- Apps don’t provide many advanced options
GREAT VPN FOR NEWBIES:CyberGhost is a reliable VPN service provider that offers easy-to-use native apps for most popular devices, making it an excellent choice for newbie VPN users. Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers are available, and your digital security and privacy are always well-protected. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish’s global server coverage comes up a bit short when compared to the other VPNs on this list, but that network provides an additional layer of privacy.
The provider’s global server network (1,900+ servers in 57+ countries) is the smallest in this group of 5. However, IPVanish has announced that it will be expanding its server network during 2021.
That server network is fully owned and operated by IPVanish, meaning it keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data.
IPVanish protects you online with banking-level 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch with an auto-reconnect option, and a “scramble” feature to disguise your VPN activity as normal browser activity. The provider is rolling out the WireGuard connection protocol to its users.
While the VPN provider follows a strict no-server-connection-logs policy, no cryptocurrency payment option is available.
IPVanish’s fast, “no data caps” connections can easily handle streaming, file sharing and online gaming. Unlimited bandwidth is available with your subscription.
Native app support is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire devices. Linux devices can also be manually set up to use the service. No Chrome or Firefox browser extensions are to be found. However, router support is available.
The provider has no limits on the number of simultaneous devices that a user can connect to its servers.
Customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a searchable support library, and email support.
Pros:
- Comprehensive security and privacy
- No third-party contractor data access
- No limits on simultaneous device connections
Cons:
- No browser extensions
- No cryptocurrency payment option
UNLIMITED PROTECTION FOR BAHRAIN:IPVanish provides comprehensive VPN protection, top-notch privacy via its owned-and-operated VPN network, fast download speeds and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Bahrain
VPN users will want to carefully consider several factors when researching VPN protection while visiting or living in Bahrain.
Below, you’ll find a list of the things that I considered when I was making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use in Bahrain:
- Connection Speeds: Fast connections are vital to fully enjoying your favorite online activities. Whether it’s browsing the web, gaming or streaming videos, a faster connection is a better connection. All of the VPNs in this article performed well in my most recent download speed tests.
- Global Server Network: The larger the global server network is, the easier it makes it to access content from around the globe. Multiple servers in each country is a definite plus, as it generally offers improved performance.
- Value: You should carefully weigh a VPN service provider’s asking price against the features and performance it provides. Every VPN I include in my articles offers an excellent value.
- Ease of Use: Any VPN worth your consideration should offer comprehensive app support for popular device platforms. Apps should also be easy to use. Each VPN on this list offers well-designed and intuitive apps.
- Security and Privacy: Any VPN worth your consideration should at the very least offer banking-grade encryption, automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also an important feature.
- Streaming: VPNs included in my articles all offer reliable access to streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and numerous other popular services. This keeps your entertainment options wide open.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Bahrain?
While you may be able to find a free VPN service that will work in Bahrain, I cannot in good conscience recommend the use of a freebie VPN from inside Bahraini borders.
“Free” VPNs have hidden costs and will also likely cost you your online privacy.
Many no-charge providers track their free users’ online travels, selling that valuable information to advertisers and other nosy parties.
In addition to tracking its users’ online travels, some free VPNs have been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions. (And those cookies keep right on tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the VPN’s servers.)
Free VPNs also come up lacking in the convenience and performance arenas.
You may find that you’ll be forced to cool your heels for a bit before being allowed to connect to one of the free VPN’s limited number of servers. And that’s if you’re not simply automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Once connected, your connection speeds will likely plunge. Plus, you’ll be forced to deal with daily or monthly data caps that will severely limit your online activities.
Does any of the above sound good to you? I recommend trying NordVPN or Surfshark. Both offer their excellent VPN services for an affordable price – you’d be much better off choosing one of them.
What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers protection for your online activities, expands your access to online content around the globe, and more.
A VPN’s tunnel of encryption keeps your online activities from being monitored and tracked by the government, hackers and even your own Internet Service Provider (ISP).
A VPN’s encrypted protection, by hiding your online activities, prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection because you’re engaging in what it calls “unapproved” activities. These activities can include, but are not limited to, watching video from certain video streaming services or sharing files via P2P services.
VPN encryption also allows you to connect without fear to an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as those found in hotels, coffee shops and other public locations. Hackers love to target hotspot users while they browse the web, check email, pay bills or shop online.
A VPN also provides access to content in other parts of the world that would normally be unavailable to users in the country they are currently residing in. A VPN does this by assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since IP addresses can be used to determine a device’s geographical location, this location-“spoofing” ability provides access to geo-controlled content in other areas of the world.
Conclusion
Users who reside in or are visiting Bahrain are strongly advised to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect and enhance their internet travels. My top choice for Bahraini residents and visitors is NordVPN.
NordVPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy. It delivers fast, no-data-caps access to geo-controlled content around the world. The provider offers native app support for most popular device platforms, and customer support is available around the clock.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
