At a Glance

Online freedom continues to deteriorate in Egypt. Freedom House gives Egypt an aggregate 2023 Freedom on the Net Score of 28/100, which equals a ranking of “Not Free” (0 = least free, 100 = most free).

Government surveillance in Egypt is still an issue, as hundreds of websites have been blocked. While popular social networks are still available in the country, anti-government posts have been taken down when they were reported. Access to YouTube and other video streaming sites is available, but has been blocked in the past.

Can a VPN Protect Me in Cairo?

Luckily, Cairo residents and visitors have a handy tool available that provides top-notch online security and privacy, along with reliable access to the world of online content available outside of Egyptian borders.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, preventing the government and other nosy types from tracking your online travels. A top-notch VPN will also never keep logs for your activities, preventing the government from forcing them to turn over any records.

A VPN can also assign a new IP address from another country to your connected devices, making it appear 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 share valuable information about the top seven VPN providers that will protect and enhance your online activities while visiting or living in Cairo, Egypt.

WANT TO TRY A TOP VPN RISK-FREE?: The top VPN services on this list offer money-back guarantees ranging from 30 to 45 days. If you opt to subscribe to one of the providers mentioned in this article and find that it doesn’t meet your needs, you can ask for a refund before the money-back guarantee period has elapsed.

Best VPN Services for Use in Cairo

The seven top VPN providers listed below offer the best protection for your online activities while you’re in Cairo. The TL;DR version is as follows.

The best VPNs for Cairo:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Cairo. This VPN is my top provider for use in Cairo. Boasting impressive global server coverage, fast connections, and comprehensive online security and privacy, the provider delivers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget-priced VPN option on this list. Surfshark boasts a large global server network, unlimited concurrent connections, and fast download speeds, as well as top-notch security and privacy protections.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium online protection. This premium-priced provider is one of the best-known providers in the VPN industry. The provider sports an impressive global server network and delivers blazingly-fast connections protected with comprehensive encryption and other protections.
4. CyberGhost: Best VPN option for rookie users. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use and intuitive apps make it an attractive option for first-time VPN users. The provider offers streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers around the globe, while providing comprehensive online security protection.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for Cairo. PIA provides comprehensive online security and privacy, while also providing reliable access to geo-controlled content in numerous countries around the world.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty. This provider has the lowest server network on this list, but they do a good job of making the best of what they have. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN traffic by making it appear to be normal internet traffic.
7. Atlas VPN: Protection all of your devices at once. Atlas customers can simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like to its VPN server network. The provider’s well-protected connections are also some of the fastest on this list.

When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:

• Global server network (bonus for servers in Egypt)
• Security and privacy offerings
• Connection speeds
• App support
• Customer support

For more information about the criteria I used, make sure you take a look at the testing methodology section later in this article.

Here is my list of the seven top VPN service providers for Cairo residents and visitors.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is my #1 choice for reliable VPN service while connecting to the internet from Cairo.

With close to 6,000 servers in nearly 60 countries around the world (except in Egypt), the provider’s network offers reliable access to Netflix and other geo-controlled services internationally.

All NordVPN-provided 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 provided, and the provider’s new NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) offers security and performance benefits.

NordVPN has an independently-audited no-logs policy, and it accepts cryptocurrency in return for its impressive services.

The provider runs all server operations directly from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This ensures all data on the server is completely wiped with each reboot.

The VPN is also working to move its entire global server network over to a completely self-owned and self-operated model, keeping third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal information.

NordVPN connections are impressively fast and are easily up to handling popular online activities, including video streaming, gaming, and sharing large files.

The provider’s comprehensive app support includes options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s comprehensive router features protect the rest of your connected devices.

Up to six devices can connect simultaneously on a single account.

Around-the-clock customer support includes 24/7 chat availability, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR CAIRO:NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Cairo residents and visitors. The provider delivers fast connections, top-notch digital security and privacy protections, and reliable access to international content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark provides above-average security and other VPN services for a below-average price.

The VPN boasts an impressive global server network, as it currently has more than 3,200 servers based in 100+ countries around the globe (including Egypt). The network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

All Surfshark connections are protected using government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, as well as an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. The provider’s “MultiHop” option allows users to route their internet connection through a duo of VPN servers, providing added anonymity and connection encryption.

The provider has a no-server-logs policy, as well as a Bitcoin payment option, to protect your usage and payment privacy, respectively. The provider has joined the growing ranks of VPN providers who run their servers 100% from volatile RAM.

Surfshark’s fast, no-data-caps connections can easily handle most popular internet activities.

Native app options include offerings for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms (the company provides native app support for Apple Silicon Macs). Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions, as well as router support, are also available.

An unlimited simultaneous connections policy prevents you from ever coming up short when you require protection for numerous devices all at once.

Around-the-clock customer support options include 24/7 chat, a contact form, and a searchable support library.

BEST BUDGET-MINDED VPN OPTION:Surfshark is the low-priced VPN option on this list, but its feature set is just as impressive as its higher-priced compatriots. Surfshark boasts a large global server network, top-notch online security and privacy, fast connections, and an unlimited concurrent connections policy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN may charge a higher price of entry than many of its competitors, but it offers top-notch online protection and privacy.

The provider’s global server network is one of the most impressive around, with 3,000+ servers stationed in more than 100 countries around the globe (including Egypt). The server network offers reliable access to video streaming sites and other internationally geo-blocked content.

ExpressVPN protects its users’ connections using government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. In addition, a proprietary Lightway protocol is available, which is designed to offer improved 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 (for the most privacy, use a disposable email address to enroll).

Meanwhile, the VPN’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations only from RAM, writing no data of any type to a physical hard disk. This ensures that all data is erased when the servers are rebooted.

ExpressVPN boasts fast connection speeds. Unlimited bandwidth and no daily or monthly data caps are standard.

The provider supports Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux, and Windows platforms with native apps. Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available. ExpressVPN’s router firmware boasts a recently redesigned interface, offering an improved user experience.

Up to eight devices can connect simultaneously on a single set of login credentials.

Customer support options include always-available live chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easy-to-search knowledge base.

RELIABLE VPN FOR CAIRO:Cairo-based internet users willing to pay the price will appreciate the top-notch security and privacy protections that ExpressVPN offers. Well-performing and well-protected connections are available from a large server network, offering reliable access to geo-blocked international content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost appeals to newbie VPN users, with easy-to-use apps that offer one-click protection.

In addition to the 40+ servers that CyberGhost has stationed in Cairo, CyberGhost offers 10,000+ servers in 99+ other countries. Many of those servers are optimized for gaming, streaming, or downloading, offering an improved experience while conducting those activities.

The VPN service provides military-grade encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch, all with the aim of keeping you safe online. Ad and tracker blocking is available, as is the ability to force websites to pull up https versions of their webpages (when available).

Additional security features include password management, antivirus protection, and more. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was exposed in a data breach.

CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy means you’ll never need to worry about the provider monitoring or recording your online travels. You can pay with Bitcoin if you want an extra layer of privacy for your payment info.

Fast connections are the rule of the day when using CyberGhost. The provider never throttles your bandwidth or imposes any form of daily or monthly data caps.

The provider’s intuitive apps are available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Support for select makes and models of routers is also available.

Seven concurrent connections to CyberGhost servers are allowed on a single account.

Customer support is available around the clock, with 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket support system, and an easy-to-search support library all available.

BEST FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are attractive options for first-time VPN users. Gaming-, streaming-, and downloading-enhanced servers are available, and high-speed servers around the world CyberGhost’s easy-to-useoffer plenty of protected connection options. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has an impressively large global server network, made up of 3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries, including Egypt.

All PIA-provided connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The VPN also provides blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and perilous websites.

PIA’s servers are run free of user logs, so there are no records to be had of your online travels. The provider accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, meaning your payment information is kept more private.

PIA has begun running their servers 100% from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to a hard drive or SSD. This means that any data on a PIA server will be completely wiped from the provider’s servers whenever it is rebooted or powered down.

This provider’s connection speeds are admittedly the second-slowest speeds on this list of seven. That said, PIA’s connections are certainly fast enough to handle popular online activities (depending on your ISP-provided connection speeds). No data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun here.

PIA’s native app support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. The provider is also compatible with select routers.

There are no limits on the number of devices that users can simultaneously connect to its server network.

PIA support offers live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR CAIRO:PIA offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection to keep your online travels undercover. The provider delivers reliable access to content in 90+ countries, including Egypt. PIA users cPIA offers comprehensivean connect an unlimited number of devices to PIA servers at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s admittedly small global server network provides reliable access to content where the servers are available.

PrivateVPN’s global server coverage admittedly pales in comparison to the other VPNs on this list, with 200+ servers stationed in 60+ countries.

However, the provider’s server network delivers reliable internet connection protection thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, an internet kill switch, and IP leak protection. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage undercover by disguising it as ordinary browser traffic.

A no-server-logs-ever policy and a private Bitcoin subscription payment option keep things covered on the privacy end of things.

The provider’s connections provide more than enough bandwidth for streaming HD video, gaming online, and sharing and downloading files. No data caps or throttling to be found with this provider.

App support is still limited to the big five device platforms – Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and no browser extensions are available. However, manual setup instructions are available for routers.

Up to 10 devices can connect simultaneously on a single account.

The provider claims to offer 24/7 chat. However, I’ve visited the website multiple times, only to find that the chat isn’t being monitored. Thankfully, email support and an FAQ help section are always available, and the provider also offers free remote setup to help users with their VPN installation.

KEEPS VPN ACTIVITY UNDERCOVER:PrivateVPN provides comprehensive VPN protection through a small global server network. While the provider’s app support is also a bit lacking, it offers comprehensive connection protection and a “Stealth VPN” feature that keeps your VPN usage undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has 1,000+ servers, located in close to 50 countries. While that is far from being the largest server network on this list, the provider’s network does an excellent job of delivering reliable access to geo-controlled content in several countries.

The provider’s blazingly-fast connections are perfect for online gaming, video streaming, and file sharing. There are never any data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about when connected to this VPN’s network.

All Atlas VPN connections are protected using banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider’s “Safebrowse” feature protects you from online dangers and pesky ads.

The provider’s servers are run sans user logs, meaning no records of your online travels are ever kept. A handy cryptocurrency option helps to keep your payment information private, especially when you use a disposable email address.

Atlas offers native app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. It now offers native Apple TV support. However, browser extensions and router support are missing in action.

Atlas VPN customers can connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers.

Live chat is limited to paying customers only. However, all customers can access a contact form, email support, and a support library.

NO LIMIT ON INTERNET SECURITY AND PRIVACY:Atlas VPN’s unlimited server connections policy makes it an attractive option for large families or small businesses. The network’s well-protected and blazingly-fast connections provide well-protected access to content in close to 50 countries. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Cairo

There are several factors to carefully consider when researching VPN protection while visiting or living in Cairo.

This is a list of the most important things that I considered when I was making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use in Cairo:

• Connection speeds: Fast connections are an important factor for most popular online activities. No matter if you’re browsing the web, gaming, or streaming videos, a faster connection is a better connection. All of the VPNs I include in my articles performed well in my most recent connection speed tests.
• Global server network: A large global server network makes it easier to access geo-blocked content around the globe. While some VPNs stretch their networks thin, with just a few servers in many countries, multiple servers in each country is a definite plus, as it offers improved performance.
• Value: Weighing a VPN service provider’s asking price against the features and performance it provides is always a must. Every VPN I include in my articles offers an excellent value for the money.
• Ease of use: Any VPN worth consideration should offer apps for the most popular device platforms. Apps should also offer ease of use. Each VPN on this list offers well-designed apps.
• Security and privacy: Any VPN worth your consideration should at the very least offer banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also highly important.
• Streaming: VPNs included in my articles all offer reliable access to streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other popular services.

The list above covers only some of the features I researched as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven research provides an in-depth understanding of each provider, allowing me to only recommend those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN in Cairo

By following just a few easy steps, you can protect your Cairo-based internet activities:

1. Subscribe to a quality VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
2. Install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your connected device(s).
3. Sign into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server outside of Egypt to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or select a server inside of Egypt if you’re looking to protect your in-country online activities. If you’re located outside of Egypt and wish to access geo-blocked content from inside of the country, select a VPN server inside of Egypt.
5. Enjoy your newfound and secure internet freedom!

It should be noted that while the use of Virtual Private Networks is legal in Egypt (businesses in the country often use them to protect their financial transactions), the government actively works to block VPN websites and servers. I recommend that you subscribe to and download the VPN of your choice before arriving in Egypt, if possible.

Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Cairo?

I can’t honestly claim that you can’t use a free VPN service provider while in Cairo. However, I can honestly say that the odds favor you being displeased with the overall free VPN experience.

“Free” VPNs have numerous hidden costs. Using a free VPN will likely cost you your online privacy. Many freebie providers track their users’ online travels, and then sell that info to advertisers and other interested parties.

Some free VPNs have been found to be inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions (and cookies stick around and keep tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the VPN service).

Free VPNs are also lacking in convenience and performance.

You may find that you’ll be forced to wait before connecting to a free VPN’s small number of servers, or you’ll be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Once you’re finally connected, you’ll most likely see your connection speeds drop like a rock, and you’ll be faced with daily or monthly data caps that will severely limit your online activities.

None of the above sounds good to me – does it sound good to you? Since NordVPN and Surfshark offer their no-problems VPN services for a low price, you’d be much better off choosing one of them.

What Advantages Does a VPN Provide?

A Virtual Private Network protects and enhances your online activities. It allows you to expand your global content access, while also keeping all of your online antics well-hidden.

An encrypted tunnel of protection that a VPN provides prevents third parties like your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the government, and hackers from monitoring your online travels.

The encryption hides your online activities, preventing your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities, like watching video from certain video streaming services or sharing files via P2P services.

Encryption also protects you if you connect to an unprotected public WiFi hotspot, such as those found in hotels, coffee shops, and other public locations. Bad actors love trying to steal hotspot users’ info while they browse the web, check email, pay bills, or shop online.

Plus, a VPN provides access to geo-blocked content that would normally be unavailable to users in the country they reside in. A VPN does this by assigning a new IP address to your connected device. IP addresses can be used to determine a device’s geographical location, so this location “spoofing” provides access to geo-controlled content in other areas of the world.

Best VPNs for Cairo FAQs

Why Do I Need a VPN in Cairo?

Online freedom continues to deteriorate in Egypt. The country’s Freedom House 2023 Freedom on the Net Score is 28/100, which equals a ranking of “Not Free” (0 = least free, 100 = most free).

Government surveillance in Egypt continues to be an issue, as it continues to block anti-government websites and anti-government social media posts have been taken down as soon as they are reported. While access to YouTube and other video streaming sites is currently available, those sites have been blocked in the past.

Are VPNs Legal in Egypt?

Using VPNs is currently legal in Egypt, even though the country has a history of strict censorship and violation of user rights. Unfortunately, a 2018 study by Northwestern University in Qatar found that only 3% of internet users in Egypt protect themselves with VPNs. Keep in mind that while VPN use in Egypt is legal, it is illegal to use them for illegal activities.

Conclusion

Users who reside in or are visiting Cairo would do well to use a VPN to protect and enhance their internet activities. My top choice for Cairo residents and visitors is NordVPN.

NordVPN provides optimal digital security and fast, no-data-caps access to geo-blocked content around most of the world, as well as top-notch privacy protections. The provider’s apps are available 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.