Internet users located in Bangladesh face a “partly free” online experience, as internet freedom in the country reached an all-time low in 2021. The Bangladeshi government has been known to block certain websites and services.
In addition to the government blocking certain websites and social networking sites, Bangladeshi internet users also face the same issues and perils as other online users around the globe. This includes having their online travels monitored by hackers and facing online content roadblocks.
However, by taking advantage of a tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN), internet users in Bangladesh and elsewhere around the globe can keep their online activities undercover, while also gaining access to geo-controlled content from around the globe.
A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption, which hides your online activities from prying eyes. This means that your ISP, your government or hackers cannot monitor your online activities. Plus, all of the VPNs on this list keep no type of server logs, meaning there are no records of your online activities.
A VPN also assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. When that new IP address is located in another country, it makes the rest of the internet believe that you are connecting from inside of that country. This allows VPN users to access geo-controlled content that is usually only available to online users located inside the borders of that country.
In this article, I share details with you about the 5 best VPN providers that provide both reliable online security and privacy, as well as enhancement of your online activities while visiting or living in Bangladesh.
How to Use a VPN in Bangladesh
Follow the steps listed below to reliably protect and enhance your Bangladeshi internet activities:
- Subscribe to a quality VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
- Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
- Log in to the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server outside of Bangladesh to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or to protect your online activities. If you’re outside of Bangladesh and need access to online content restricted to Bangladesh, select a server located in the country. (Only ExpressVPN and CyberGhost have servers in the country.)
- Enjoy your secure and enhanced internet freedom!
Best VPN Services for Bangladesh
The 5 top VPN providers listed below offer reliable protection and enhancement for your Bangladesh-based online activities.
The short and sweet version is as follows:
- NordVPN: This #1 VPN provider offers reliable, well-protected, and fast connections from an impressive global server network, all for a more than reasonable price. Its online security and privacy protections are formidable.
- Surfshark: This is the budget-priced option on this list of 5. The provider’s low price belies its high level of services, including a large global server network that provides fast and well-protected connections for popular connected devices.
- ExpressVPN: Although this is the most expensive VPN on this list, it also offers some of the best VPN service of any VPN on this list. The well-established provider boasts a large global server network, comprehensive online security and privacy, and support for popular devices.
- CyberGhost: First-time VPN users should investigate this VPN provider thanks to its easy-to-use apps, which provide one-click access to a massive global server network, which includes servers enhanced for both streaming and downloading.
- IPVanish: While this provider’s global server numbers come up short when compared to other VPNs on this list, it is working on expanding them. The provider owns and operates its entire global server network, keeping third-party contractors away from customer data.
When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:
- Global server network (bonus for Bangladesh-based servers)
- Security and privacy protections
- Connection speeds
- Native app support
- Customer support
Here is my list of the 5 top VPN service providers for Bangladeshi residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top pick for online security and enhancement for internet users based in Bangladesh.
The provider boasts an impressively large global server network, with 5,200+ servers based in 60 countries around the world, which provides reliable access to content and websites around the globe.
The provider is currently moving its server network to a proprietary model instead of a leased model, which will keep third-party contractors away from their personal data.
NordVPN protects its users’ online activities by using banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware protection are also available, and the provider’s proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on Wireguard) is optimized for both performance and protection.
All NordVPN servers follow an independently-audited no-server-logs policy. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment option.
In addition, NordVPN runs all of its servers exclusively from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted.
NordVPN connection speeds are some of the best around and are easily up to handling your favorite online activities, such as streaming, gaming and sharing files.
Native app support options include offerings for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is comprehensive router support to protect your devices through a single point of access.
Up to 6 devices can simultaneously connect on a single account.
Customer support options include 24/7 support chat availability, email support and a support library.
Pros:
- Fast download speeds
- Comprehensive privacy and security
- Impressive global server network
- All server operations run only from RAM
- Top-notch device support
Cons:
- Doesn’t label streaming servers in its apps
BEST VPN FOR BANGLADESH:NordVPN is the top option for VPN protection in Bangladesh. The provider’s impressive global server network delivers fast, well-encrypted connections, providing reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Online users on a tight budget will appreciate how Surfshark delivers top-notch VPN services at a bargain-basement price.
The provider’s global server network is quite impressive, with 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries around the globe. The provider claims that it can unlock 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection keep your online activities protected from observation. The provider’s “Multi-Hop” server option routes your internet connection through two VPN servers in different locations, doubling up on anonymity and encryption.
The provider’s strict no-server-logs policy, as well as its acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment, help protect your privacy.
Surfshark provides fast connections (the fastest of any provider in my most recent download speed tests) that can easily handle popular internet activities. No data caps and no bandwidth throttling, ever.
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Windows and Amazon Fire app options are available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are present and accounted for, as is comprehensive router support.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you’ll have as many connections as you’d like when the need arises to protect multiple devices.
Surfshark’s customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- No limits on simultaneous connections
- “Multi-Hop” server option doubles up on encryption and anonymity
- Large global server network
- Comprehensive device support
Cons:
- One-month subscription price is expensive
BEST VPN FOR A TIGHT BUDGET:The budget-priced option on this list, Surfshark provides comprehensive VPN services at a bargain price. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, comprehensive online security and privacy, fast connection speeds, and unlimited simultaneous VPN connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
This well-known VPN provider charges an admittedly high price for its services. However, the provider offers an equally high level of service.
ExpressVPN’s impressive global server network includes 3,000+ servers located in 94 countries, Bangladesh included. The provider’s servers offer reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
All ExpressVPN-provided connections are protected with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option and IPv6/DNS leak protection. The provider’s in-house Lightway protocol is designed to provide increased performance and protection.
The provider’s servers run 100% log-free, and run using a proprietary “TrustedServer” technology that runs all server operations completely from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is wiped from servers when they are rebooted. Your payment privacy is preserved if you use Bitcoin.
ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around and can easily handle any popular online activity. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about here.
Apps for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows platforms are available here. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the provider recently updated its router firmware.
Up to 5 devices can simultaneously connect on a single account.
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support, with always-available live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket system and a knowledge base.
Pros:
- Large server network (with servers in Bangladesh)
- Fast download speeds
- Comprehensive online privacy and security
- All servers run 100% from RAM
Cons:
- More expensive than others on this list
- Only 5 simultaneous connections allowed
RELIABLE VPN FOR BANGLADESH:While ExpressVPN’s reliable VPN protection will cost you a bit more, the provider is an excellent option. Fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network provide reliable access to content around most of the globe. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
First-time VPN users (and those looking for an easy-to-use VPN service) will appreciate CyberGhost’s service offerings
CyberGhost has 7,100+ servers stationed in 90+ countries around the globe (Bangladesh included). A large number of those servers are optimized for streaming and downloading.
CyberGhost’s download speeds can easily handle streaming, gaming and other popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to be found here.
The provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection to keep your online activities undercover. Malicious website and tracker blocking are also available. CyberGhost can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.
In addition to comprehensive VPN services, CyberGhost offers a security suite for Windows. It includes antivirus protection, a feature to control how much of your data Microsoft has access to, a utility that detects apps in need of updating and more. A password manager is also available, as is a feature to warn you if/when your email address is included in a data breach.
CyberGhost never saves logs connected to your online travels, and a Bitcoin payment option is also available.
A wide selection of easy-to-use apps are available for the Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing sessions, and comprehensive router support provides protection for all of your connected devices through a single point of access.
Up to 7 devices can be simultaneously protected on a single account.
CyberGhost customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Massive global server network
- Easy-to-use apps for popular devices
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
- Up to 7 connections at once
Cons:
- Has issues working in some overly restrictive countries
GREAT VPN FOR ROOKIE USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps for most popular connected devices make it an excellent option for rookie VPN users. The provider delivers fast download speeds from its huge global server network. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
While this provider could use a boost in some service arenas, it still offers overall reliable VPN service.
The provider’s global server network of 1,900+ servers in 57+ countries is the smallest server network in this group. However, IPVanish has plans to expand its server network during the coming year.
Also, IPVanish owns and operates its server network, keeping third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal data, providing an extra layer of privacy.
The provider’s 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 traffic all combine to keep your online travels incognito. The provider is currently rolling out the WireGuard connection protocol to all of its users.
While the provider doesn’t accept cryptocurrency as a private payment option, it does follow a strict no-server-logs-ever policy.
IPVanish’s connection speeds deliver more than enough bandwidth for any online activity. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to be found here.
IPVanish’s app selection includes options for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. You can manually set up Linux and Raspberry Pi devices. Browser extensions are not available from the provider at this time. However, router support is available.
There is no limit on the number of devices that you can connect at once to IPVanish servers.
IPVanish customer support options include 24/7 live support chat, a searchable support library and email support.
Pros:
- Excellent security and privacy protections
- Keeps third-party contractors away
- No limits on simultaneous connections
Cons:
- No available browser extensions
- No cryptocurrency payment option
PROTECTION FOR UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish offers comprehensive online protection and top-notch privacy. It owns and operates its global server network, keeping contractors away from your personal data. It also allows an unlimited number of devices to connect at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Bangladesh
VPN users looking for reliable VPN protection while inside of Bangladesh should carefully consider several factors when deciding which VPN is the best fit for them.
The following is a list of the factors that I consider when making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for a particular situation or country:
- Connection Speeds: The faster your connection, the more enjoyable your online activities will be. (Well, except for paying bills or filing taxes – sorry.) The VPNs I recommend consistently perform well in my connection speed tests.
- Global Server Network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the better your access to content around the globe. Also, look for a large number of servers in each country, as it helps prevent a single server from being overloaded.
- Value: You can discover a VPN’s true value by weighing the provider’s asking price against the features and performance it offers. All VPNs on my list offer an excellent value.
- Ease of Use: VPN app support should include support for as many popular device platforms as is possible. Apps should also be as easy to use as possible.
- Security and Privacy: Banking-grade encryption, automatic kill switch capability and DNS/IP leak protection are must-haves when considering the security features of a VPN. A no-logs policy is also an important feature.
- Streaming: The VPNs on this list all offer reliable access to streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and numerous other popular streamers.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Bangladesh?
While you may find a free VPN that works inside of Bangladesh, it is almost a certainty that you won’t be happy with the free VPN experience.
First of all, “free” VPNs don’t protect your online privacy. Actually, they can damage your online privacy.
Even a free VPN needs to make income to keep their servers humming. Some do this by tracking their users’ online travels, then selling that sensitive information to advertisers and anyone else willing to pay for the info.
Other ways that freebie VPNs make money is by inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions. (And those cookies continue on tracking you, even when you’re not connected to the free VPN.)
Free VPNs are also lacking in the convenience and performance arenas.
First of all, you may be forced to wait a while before being allowed to connect to the free VPN’s small number of servers. Or, you may find that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Once connected, you’ll likely see your connection speeds drop like a rock. Free VPNs also limit your usage by imposing daily or monthly data caps.
Using a free VPN is a waste of your time. Consider opting for NordVPN or Surfshark – both providers offer excellent service at a value price.
What Other Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) both protects your online activities from being monitored and provides access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
A VPN’s encrypted connection hides your online activities – meaning your ISP, the government, and hackers will be prevented from tracking and monitoring your online travels.
This prevents your ISP from throttling or completely blocking your connection for engaging in what it calls “unapproved” activities, like streaming from certain video services or sharing files via P2P services.
VPN encryption also comes in handy when you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as those found in stores, hotels, coffee shops and other public locations. Hackers love to target hotspot users while they browse the web, pay bills or shop online, as the hotspot is not encrypted.
A VPN also provides access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
A VPN temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since IP addresses can be used to determine a device’s geographical location, it makes it look as if you’re connecting from another part of the world, opening access to content usually limited to that area of the world.
Conclusion
Bangladesh residents and visitors should take advantage of the online protection and enhancement that a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides. My top choice is NordVPN.
NordVPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy. An impressive global server network offers fast connections that deliver access to geo-controlled content around the world. Comprehensive native app support is available for most popular device platforms. Customer support is available 24/7.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.