Slate published a report in May 2021 discussing how the Mauritius government was considering routing all social networking traffic through government-owned proxy servers. This would allow the traffic to be cached, searched, surveilled and blocked. This is functionally equivalent to a government-approved “man in the middle” attack.
In addition to government-approved monitoring, Mauritius internet users face the same online perils and barricades that internet users everywhere face.
Online perils include monitoring by hackers, the government and your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Users also face geographical restrictions on online content, like the movies and shows that Netflix and other streaming services offer.
However, there is a powerful tool that internet users in Mauritius and around the rest of the world can use to keep their online activities undercover, while providing access to geo-blocked content around the globe.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) coats your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption, protecting your online activities from prying eyes. This means your ISP, hackers and the government can no longer monitor your online antics. The VPNs on this list also keep no logs of any kind that would record and expose your online activities.
Plus, a VPN has the ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device. If that new IP address is inside of another country, the rest of the internet sees you as connecting from inside of that country. This opens up access to content you might normally be blocked from accessing.
In this article, I provide a close look at the 5 best VPN providers for use while visiting or living in Mauritius.
How to Use a VPN in Mauritius
Follow the steps listed below, and you’ll reliably protect and enhance your Mauritius-based 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 Mauritius to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or to protect your online activities. None of the providers here have servers located inside of Mauritius.
- Enjoy your secure and enhanced internet freedom!
Best VPN Services for Mauritius
The 5 top VPN providers listed below offer reliable protection and enhancement for your online activities from inside of Mauritius.
The TL;DR version:
- NordVPN: This #1 VPN provider delivers fast, well-protected connections, providing reliable access to geo-blocked content thanks to its impressive global server network. The provider’s online security and privacy protections are second to none.
- Surfshark: This budget-priced VPN option is an excellent choice for users in search of comprehensive VPN service that doesn’t break the bank. The provider’s fast connections provide top-notch protection and access to content around the globe, while charging an asking price that should prove to be attractive to users on a tight budget.
- ExpressVPN: This provider is the highest-priced option on this list. However, it is also one of the best options on this list. The provider boasts a large global server network that provides fast and well-protected connections. The network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content in most areas of the globe.
- CyberGhost: First-time VPN users and those looking for one-click protection and enhancement will appreciate CyberGhost for its easy-to-use apps that provide one-click access to a large global server network.
- IPVanish: While this provider’s global server network is a bit smaller than other VPNs on this list, it is working on growing it. The provider’s global server network is completely self-owned and -operated, which provides an extra layer of security, as it keeps third-party contractors away from customer data.
When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following factors:
- Global server network
- Security and privacy protections
- Connection speeds
- Native app support
- Customer support
Here is my list of the 5 top VPN service providers for Mauritius residents and visitors.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top pick for VPN protection and enhancement while visiting or living in Mauritius.
The provider has 5,200+ servers stationed in 60 countries around the globe, providing reliable access to content and websites around the globe.
The provider is currently moving its server network from a leased model to a self-owned and self-operated model. Once in place, this will provide additional privacy for NordVPN users, keeping third-party contractors away from their personal data.
NordVPN protects its customers’ internet connections using banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak protection. You can also enable ad and malware blocking. The provider’s NordLynx protocol is based on Wireguard and is optimized for both performance and protection.
NordVPN runs its servers according to an independently-audited no-logs policy, and it also accepts cryptocurrency as payment.
NordVPN recently began running all of its servers exclusively from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. All data is completely wiped from NordVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.
NordVPN download speeds are quite impressive, and they are easily up to handling your favorite online activities, including streaming, online gaming and more.
Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows apps are available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as are comprehensive router features.
Up to 6 devices can connect concurrently on a single account.
Always-available customer support options include around-the-clock live support chat, email support and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Comprehensive privacy and security
- Top-notch native app support
- Impressive global server network
- Fast connections
- All server operations 100% from RAM
Cons:
- Doesn’t label streaming servers in apps
BEST VPN FOR MAURITIUS:NordVPN is my top choice for VPN protection in Mauritius. The provider’s impressive global server network provides fast download speeds, providing reliable access to content around the globe. The provider’s connections are also well-protected, keeping your online activities incognito. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark provides premium VPN service for a bargain price.
The provider’s large global server network is made up of 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries around the world. The provider claims the ability to unlock 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
All Surfshark connections are protected with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. The provider’s “Multi-Hop” server option routes your internet connection through a pair of VPN servers for added anonymity and encryption.
A strict no-server-logs policy and an acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment are both in place to help protect your privacy.
The provider’s connections were the fastest I saw in my most recent download speed tests. No data caps and no bandwidth throttling to worry about with Surfshark.
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (native Apple Silicon support), Windows and Amazon Fire app options are all available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with comprehensive router support.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy ensures you’ll never run out of VPN protection for your connected devices.
24/7 customer support options include live support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Budget pricing
- “Multi-Hop” server option adds extra encryption and anonymity
- No limits on simultaneous VPN connections
- Excellent native device support
Cons:
- One-month subscription price is a bit expensive
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best option for online users on a tight budget. An impressive global server network, top-notch online security, extensive privacy protections, fast connections and unlimited simultaneous VPN connections make it an attractive choice for budget-minded users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
This VPN service is the most expensive among the VPNs on this list. That said, the provider offers some of the best VPN features in the industry.
ExpressVPN’s impressive global server network boasts 3,000+ servers stationed in 94 countries. The provider’s server network delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IPv6/DNS leak protection combine to protect your online activities. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is optimized for performance and protection.
ExpressVPN’s servers never save any server logs, and the provider accepts cryptocurrency as subscription payment. The provider’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations only from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard disk. This ensures that all data is securely wiped when the servers are rebooted.
ExpressVPN’s fast connections can easily handle streaming, gaming or any other popular online activities. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to spoil the fun here.
Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows apps are available, as are Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions. ExpressVPN recently updated its already excellent router firmware.
Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously on a single account.
ExpressVPN’s customer support offerings include 24/7 live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable knowledge base.
Pros:
- Fast downloads
- Comprehensive online privacy and security
- Excellent global server coverage
- All servers run 100% from RAM
Cons:
- Most expensive VPN on this list
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
RELIABLE VPN FOR MAURITIUS:While ExpressVPN will cost you a bit more, it offers an excellent level of VPN protection and enhancement. Fast and well-protected connections from a large global server network provide 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
Rookie VPN users, or those who are looking for easy access to VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost.
This provider has one of the most impressive global server networks in the industry, with 7,100+ servers located in 90+ countries around the globe. The provider’s network includes servers that are optimized for streaming as well as downloading files.
CyberGhost’s download speeds are just as impressive as its server network, and there are no data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.
Those fast connections are well-protected thanks to its use of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Malicious website and online tracker blocking are also available. The VPN can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.
The provider also offers a security suite for Windows that offers antivirus and malware protection, a feature that allows you to control how much information Microsoft can collect, and a feature that notifies you when apps need updating. A password manager and a feature to warn you when your email address is exposed in a data breach are also available.
CyberGhost saves no server logs of any kind, and you can also use Bitcoin to pay for your subscription.
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 are available, as is router support.
Up to 7 devices can be connected to CyberGhost servers at once on a single account.
24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library team up to provide always-available support.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular devices
- Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers
- Massive global server network
- Up to 7 connections at once
Cons:
- Has issues working in some restrictive countries
GREAT FOR NOVICE USERS:CyberGhost provides easy-to-use apps for most popular connected devices. Those apps deliver fast download speeds from a huge global server network. Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers are located around the globe. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Sure, this provider comes up a bit light in the server coverage column. However, it performs well in other service categories.
The provider’s global server network is the smallest network in this group. However, while it currently consists of 1,900+ servers in 57+ countries, IPVanish will be expanding its server network during the coming year. IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network, which keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data, which provides extra 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 keep your online activities undercover. The provider is currently rolling the WireGuard connection protocol out 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 policy.
IPVanish connection speeds provide more than enough oomph to handle your favorite online activities. Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps are the rule with this provider.
IPVanish offers apps for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire platforms. Manual setup instructions are available for Linux and Raspberry Pi users. Chrome or Firefox browser extensions are not currently available from the provider. However, router support is.
You can connect all of the devices you’d like, simultaneously, to IPVanish servers.
IPVanish customer support offerings include 24/7 live support chat, a searchable support library and email support.
Pros:
- Keeps third-party contractors away
- No limits on concurrent connections
- Comprehensive security and privacy protections
Cons:
- No browser extensions
- No cryptocurrency payment option
UNLIMITED DEVICE PROTECTION:IPVanish offers comprehensive online security and privacy, and its proprietary server network makes it an attractive option for those users looking for extra privacy protection. It protects an unlimited number of devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of IPVanish.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Mauritius
If you’re in search of reliable VPN protection while residing in or visiting Mauritius, you need to consider several factors when deciding on a VPN.
The following list includes all the factors that I consider when deciding which VPNs to recommend for a particular purpose or country:
- Connection Speeds: Other than paying bills or filing your taxes, a fast connection will make any online activity more enjoyable. All of the VPNs on this list offer above-average connection speeds.
- Global Server Network: A large global server network provides access to more geo-blocked content around the globe. Also look for a provider that has multiple servers in many of its locations. The more servers, the less strain that will be put on a single server.
- Value: You can determine a VPN’s value by weighing the provider’s asking price against the features it offers. Every VPN on this list offers an above-average value.
- Ease of Use: Easy-to-use apps for as many popular device platforms as is possible is an important factor. The VPNs on my list generally offer support for most popular device platforms.
- Security and Privacy: Basic online security features that VPNs offer should include banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict 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 other popular streaming services.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Mauritius?
It is true that you can likely find a free VPN that will work from inside the borders of Mauritius. However, it is also true that you’ll likely not be happy with the free VPN experience.
First of all, “free” VPNs do not do a good job of protecting your online privacy.
Even “free” VPN providers need to make a buck, and many do so by tracking their users’ online activities, then selling that valuable info to advertisers or anyone else that has the money to pay for it.
Some free VPNs have also been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions. (Cookies that continue to track you, even when you’re not connected to the free VPN.)
Free VPNs also come up short in the convenience and performance columns.
Some freebie providers will make you wait in a queue before allowing you to connect to a limited selection of servers. Or, you may simply be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.
Once connected, your connection speeds will drop precipitously. Free VPNs will also limit your usage with daily or monthly data caps. This is because they want to preserve their available bandwidth for paying customers.
If you’re looking to save some money on VPN protection, try NordVPN or Surfshark. Both offer reliable VPN protection for a low price.
What Other Advantages Does a VPN Provide?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online anonymity, while also providing access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
A VPN’s encrypted connection hides your online activities from Nosy Nellies. This means your ISP, the government and hackers can’t track and monitor your online travels.
This also prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re engaged in what it calls “unapproved” activities, like streaming from some video services or sharing files via P2P services.
VPN encryption also provides protection when you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as those found in coffee shops, malls and other public locations.
This is important, as hackers target hotspot users while they browse the web, check email, pay bills or shop online, as the lack of encrypted protection on the hotspot makes it easy for bad guys to monitor other users’ online activities, allowing them to glean valuable information from their victims.
A VPN also provides access to geo-blocked content around the world. A VPN can assign a new IP address to your device. Since websites and services can use IP addresses to determine a device’s geographical location, this means it will look as if you’re connecting from another part of the world, opening access to content intended for only that area of the world.
Conclusion
Mauritius residents and visitors should take advantage of the features a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers to protect and enhance their internet activities. My #1 choice is NordVPN.
NordVPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy. An impressive global server network delivers reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Extensive native app support is available for most popular device platforms. Customer support is available around the clock.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
