What Is the Best VPN Service Provider for Dhaka in 2024?

At a Glance

If you’re visiting or living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, you need to be aware that the government may be restricting or monitoring your online activities. Bangladesh’s Freedom House 2023 Internet Freedom Score of 41/100 (0 = least free, 100 = most free) was down two points from the previous year.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in arrests under the country’s Digital Security Act (DSA). The government also blocked 50 websites for allegedly spreading misinformation, in addition to blocking access to social media sites. It also has in the past completely shut down the internet in the country, both by design and by “mistake.”

Why Do I Need a VPN for Dhaka?

While streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are available in Dhaka, the content on the localized versions of the streamers is much different from that available in other countries. Some streaming services, such as Hulu (U.S.) and BBC iPlayer (U.K.), restrict viewer access to their content to residents of their home countries.

For these reasons and many more, online users in Dhaka are strongly urged to subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, keeping your online activities hidden from the government, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and hackers.

A VPN can also make it appear that your device(s) are connecting to the internet from another part of the world. It can do this by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device. Because an IP address can be used to determine a device’s geographic location, a fresh IP address can therefore open access to geo-blocked content in other countries.

In this article, I’ll offer an informative look at the top seven VPN providers that provide comprehensive online protection and enhancement in Dhaka and the rest of Bangladesh.

TRY A TOP DHAKA VPN RISK-FREE: The VPNs on this list all offer 30- to 45-day money-back guarantees, providing a risk-free way to try their services. If you find that the VPN you’ve selected is not the right one for you, contact the provider’s customer service department for a full refund before the money-back guarantee period has passed.

Best VPN Service Providers for Use in Dhaka

The following seven VPN services offer the best online security, privacy, and geo-blocked content access while residing in or visiting Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The best VPNs for Dhaka:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for Dhaka. Dhakan internet users looking for comprehensive online security and privacy would do well to investigate NordVPN. The provider boasts fast, well-protected connections for most popular devices, provided by a large global server network covering much of the globe. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Budget-priced VPN protection. Surfshark boasts an impressive global server network, blazingly-fast connections, and top-notch online security and privacy for most popular device platforms. Unlimited simultaneous connections are available. The provider offers all of this at a low, low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Pricey but premium VPN protection. This well-established VPN provider may carry an expensive price tag, but it also provides premium services matching or surpassing other providers on this list. A large global server network, fast connections, excellent privacy and security protections, and much more are available.
4. CyberGhost: VPN option for first-time users. Online users with little to no experience with VPNs will appreciate this provider’s easy-to-use app selection. The provider offers a massive global server network that provides access to geo-blocked content via fast, well-encrypted connections.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for Dhaka. PIA offers comprehensive online security and privacy, while also providing reliable access to geo-fenced content around much of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: While this provider’s global server network suffers greatly in comparison to the others on this list, it owns its entire global server network, offering added privacy by keeping third parties away from your personal information. Its Stealth VPN option obscures your VPN usage.
7. Atlas VPN: Simultaneously protect all of your devices. Atlas VPN allows its users to simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like to its global server network. Atlas also provides blazingly-fast, well-protected access to geo-fenced content in countries around the world.

When ranking the top seven VPN service providers for Dhaka, I considered the following factors:

• Provider works in Dhaka and the rest of Bangladesh
• Global server locations, with a bonus for servers inside Bangladesh (only Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access offer Bangladesh-based servers)
• Security and user privacy features
• Connection speeds
• Device support
• Customer support features

Here is my list of the seven best VPN service providers for Dhaka residents and visitors.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN offers the best overall VPN protection for Dhaka internet users. The provider’s extensive global server network provides comprehensive internet protection and enhancement.

The NordVPN global server network boasts 5,900+ servers stationed in 60+ countries around the globe (none in Bangladesh, though). The provider is currently moving its entire server network to a proprietary model, keeping outside contractors away from its customers’ personal information.

The provider’s online protections include military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to keep its users’ online activities incognito. Malware protection and ad blocking are also available in some of NordVPN’s apps.

In addition to moving to a self-owned and self-operated server model, NordVPN’s privacy protections also include a fully-audited no-server-logs policy, as well as a cryptocurrency subscription payment option.

NordVPN provides fast download speeds that can easily handle video streaming, online gaming, file sharing, and other online activities. (The performance you’ll see will vary according to your usual, unprotected connection speeds.) No data caps and no bandwidth limitations are to be found here.

App support from the service includes options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, Chromebook, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi (running Linux) device platforms. (NordVPN’s macOS app offers native support for Apple’s M1, M2, and M3 Macs.)

Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions make an appearance, as does compatibility with an impressive number of routers.

Up to six devices can connect simultaneously on the same set of login credentials.

Customer support is always available thanks to 24/7 live chat, email support, and a support library.

BEST VPN FOR DHAKA:NordVPN offers fast, fully-encrypted connections that deliver reliable access to geo-blocked content via a large selection of apps for popular devices. The provider’s server network is large, and its digital privacy protections are comprehensive. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark, the bargain-basement-priced VPN provider on this list, not only asks for a low multi-year subscription fee, but it also boasts an impressive amount of services.

Once upon a time, Surfshark’s global server network was quite small, but now it offers access to more than 3,200 servers distributed among 100+ countries (including Bangladesh). All Surfshark servers are run completely from RAM, and no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. That means all data is totally wiped from the server upon reboot.

Surfshark-provided internet connections are protected by bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider can also block advertisements and cookies. A “MultiHop” option allows you to tunnel your internet connection through a duo of VPN servers, increasing your connection’s encryption and anonymity.

A cryptocurrency subscription payment option and a strict no-server-logs policy combine with the provider’s diskless servers to protect your privacy.

Surfshark’s download speeds were the fastest I measured in recent tests. This VPN can easily handle HD or 4K video streaming, online gaming, and the sharing of large files. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are to be found.

Apps are available for Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. (Surfshark now offers native M1, M2, and M3 Mac support.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router compatibility.

You can connect as many devices at once as you’d like thanks to Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

With 24/7 live agent chat, a contact form, and a searchable knowledge base, you’ll never need to go without customer support.

BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark’s unlimited, speedy and well-encrypted connections come at a more than reasonable price, making it an attractive VPN option for budget-minded users with numerous devices or users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN may charge an admittedly premium price, but it also provides premium services in return.

With a global server network count of more than 3,000 servers in Bangladesh and 100+ other countries, it provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around most of the globe.

Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection all team up to keep your online antics hidden from nosy outsiders. The provider’s Lightway protocol (which is now available to all users) provides improved connection security and performance.

Privacy protections include a strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. The provider’s “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations directly from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to the hard drive, which means all server data is totally wiped whenever the server is restarted.

The provider’s connection speeds are some of the best around, providing more than enough bandwidth for streaming, online gaming, file sharing, and just about anything else you can think of. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

ExpressVPN’s native app support includes offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, Chromebook, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Your browser sessions can also be kept undercover thanks to the availability of Brave, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions.

Comprehensive router compatibility is available, and the company recently updated its router firmware, providing an improved user interface and performance.

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

24/7 support includes a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

FLEXIBLE VPN PROTECTION:Dhaka internet users who don’t mind paying a bit more for premium VPN protection will appreciate ExpressVPN. Fast, well-protected connections, an impressive global server network, reliable access to content around the globe, and much more add up to an excellent return on investment. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Whether you’re new to the VPN scene or simply desire an easy-to-use VPN, CyberGhost could be the VPN for you.

The provider’s global server count is over 10,600 servers, based in 100+ countries around the globe, including Dhaka-based servers in Bangladesh. Many of the provider’s servers are optimized for streaming and downloading files.

The provider’s connection protection includes military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak prevention. The provider offers blocking for both ads and trackers, and can force a website to serve up secure versions of its pages, if available.

Recently added security features include a password manager, antivirus protection, and a utility that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable apps. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was uncovered in a data breach.

A strict no-logs policy and an acceptance of Bitcoin as a subscription payment have things covered on the privacy end of things.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds are easily up to handling gaming, streaming HD video, and any other online activities you enjoy. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with your subscription.

Easy-to-use app options include offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing activities, and CyberGhost is also compatible with a large number of routers.

Up to seven devices can connect in unison on the same set of login credentials.

Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

TOP-NOTCH OPTION FOR VPN ROOKIES:First-time VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps. The provider’s massive server network provides access to content around the globe, while its fast connections keep all of your online activities enjoyable (except for paying bills, of course). A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has an impressive global server network, with 3,300+ servers located in 90+ countries, including Bangladesh.

PIA protects its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites.

All PIA servers are run free of user logs, meaning there are no records kept related to your online activities. The provider’s Bitcoin subscription payment option keeps your payment information incognito. PIA now runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, with no data ever being written to a hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is totally wiped whenever the provider’s servers are restarted or shut down.

The provider’s connection speeds are admittedly the second-slowest speeds on this list. That said, they are easily up to handling your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about when using this VPN.

The provider’s app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your in-browser activities, and the provider is compatible with select router makes and models.

PIA users are allowed to connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s servers and its support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

COMPREHENSIVE VPN PROTECTION:PIA’s impressive global server network delivers reliable access to content in more than 90 countries, including Bangladesh. Customers can connect as many devices as they’d like to PIA’s servers at the same time. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN lacks a large server network, but the rest of its service offerings compete well with competitors.

The provider has a mere 200+ servers spread somewhat thinly among 60+ countries (Bangladesh not included). That said, the company does a good job of locating those servers, although you might occasionally see a bit of performance lag due to the low server count.

Those servers may be few, but they provide excellent online security, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention. PrivateVPN’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN activity hidden by disguising it as normal browser activity.

The provider’s no-server-logs policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option handle your privacy well.

PrivateVPN’s download speeds can handle video streaming, fast-moving online games, and file sharing. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to be found.

App support is limited to the top four popular platforms, which include Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. You can manually configure Linux devices to use PrivateVPN servers. No browser extensions are available, but the service is compatible with various WiFi routers.

Up to 10 devices can concurrently connect using the same set of login credentials.

The provider says that its support chat option is always available. However, during my visits to the PrivateVPN website, I have often found the chat balloon to be red, indicating no human is available to help out. However, email support and an FAQ help section are always available.

THE STEALTH FIGHTER OF VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature keeps your VPN usage from being discovered, while its fast connections offer reliable online protection and access to geo-blocked content. The provider’s global server network is spread thinly, but covers more than 60 countries. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN boasts a mid-sized global server network that includes over 1,000 servers, located in nearly 50 countries. The network provides reliable access to geo-fenced content in those countries.

Atlas VPN provides speedy connections which can easily handle gaming, 4K streaming, sharing large files, and much more (depending on your usual connection speeds). Atlas VPN never imposes data caps or throttles your bandwidth.

All Atlas VPN-provided connections are protected with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. A “Safebrowse” feature blocks online dangers and irritating ads.

The provider’s servers are all run free of user logs, so there is no evidence to be had of your online travels. A cryptocurrency option helps keep your payment information private.

Atlas app offerings include options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Browser extensions and router support are currently not available.

Atlas VPN allows an unlimited number of concurrent connections to its servers.

Live chat is limited to paying customers, while all customers can access the provider’s contact form, email support, and support library.

NO LIMIT ON PROTECTED CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN customers can have as many protected connections as they’d like, thanks to the provider’s unlimited connections policy. The network provides reliable, protected access to content in nearly 50 countries. A 30-dAtlas VPN customersay money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Dhaka

Dhakan residents or visitors who want to keep their online activities incognito while also gaining access to more online content will want to carefully consider any VPN provider’s service offerings before signing on the dotted line.

These are the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Dhaka:

• Speed: A provider’s connection speed plays a large factor in how enjoyable and efficient your online activities will prove to be. Each VPN on my list offers fast download speeds, which are verified through regular speed tests.
• Server network: A VPN should have providers in as many countries as possible, and a large number of servers in each location. This not only provides reliable access to content around the globe, but it also helps to prevent a single server from being hit with an overload of users at once, slowing your speeds.
• Value: Avoid spending a large amount of money on any VPN that doesn’t provide at least most of the features and functionality you require. Each VPN on my list is priced fairly for the services it offers.
• Ease of use: Easy-to-use apps help prevent you from wasting time because you’re fiddling with a load of settings. A VPN should be ready to go when you load it. All of the VPNs I include on my list provide easy-to-use apps for most popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: If you’re connected to the internet, your privacy is in danger. And let’s face it, it’s an always-connected world. At the very least, a provider should offer banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-server-logs policy is also a must to prevent any trace being left behind that reveals your online activities.
• Streaming: Video streaming is arguably the most popular online pastime among VPN users. VPNs included in my list provide reliable access to geo-blocked streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other popular video streaming services.

The list above includes just some of the features I always research as part of my all-around VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach provides a full understanding of each VPN provider, allowing me to recommend only those VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN in Dhaka

It’s easy to use a VPN in Dhaka. Just follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top pick.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located inside of Bangladesh (if available) to protect your internet activities while inside the country or to access Bangladeshi content from outside of the country. To access content located in another part of the world, select a server in the country of your choice.
5. Enjoy your newfound internet freedom and access to geo-blocked content!

Why Not Use a Free VPN?

While using a “free” VPN is never a good idea, using one in a country like Bangladesh, where online freedoms are lacking, is an especially bad idea.

Using a free VPN not only leads to a less-than-satisfying online experience, but you also run the risk of losing true privacy protection when you’re using one.

When connecting to a free VPN, you may be forced to cool your virtual heels before being allowed to connect to a server. Once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll either be faced with a limited server selection or you’ll be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.

Once connected, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds have slowed precipitously, while also facing a daily or monthly limit on protected data usage. This is because VPNs preserve their bandwidth for use by their paying VPN customers.

As for privacy protection, quite a few free VPNs keep their servers humming by tracking and logging their users’ online activities, then selling that info to advertisers and other nosy parties. Yes, that also includes nosy government types.

There have also been some free VPNs that have been caught inserting tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browser sessions (tracking cookies that keep right on tracking your online travels, even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN’s servers).

Spend a few takas per month on a quality VPN – you’ll be better off in the long run. Surfshark and NordVPN don’t charge a high price and don’t pose any of these problems.

What Are the Additional Advantages of Using a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) not only protects your online activities from being tracked by outsiders, it also offers access to geo-blocked content, increasing your entertainment options.

A VPN keeps your online travels incognito by encrypting your internet connection, creating a virtual tunnel of protection that hides your online activities. This keeps hackers, your ISP, and the government from following your footprints around the internet.

ISPs will track your online antics because that is valuable information that can be sold to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies. They also like to keep an eye on your online activities to block or throttle your connection because you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities like sharing files or streaming from certain sites.

A VPN’s encrypted protection is also a valuable tool for keeping things private while using unencrypted public WiFi hotspots. While not password-protecting a WiFi hotspot makes it easier to connect, it also makes it easier for hackers to track your online activities, allowing them to glean valuable credit card, banking, or shopping information.

Last but not least, a VPN also opens up access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

It can do this because it can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device, making it appear to the rest of the internet that you and your device are located in a different country. This tricks streaming sites and other websites into opening up access to their content, which is normally blocked to folks in your area of the world.

Conclusion

If you live in or are visiting Dhaka, you will appreciate a Virtual Private Network’s ability to protect and enhance all of your online activities.

My top choice for comprehensive VPN protection is NordVPN, which provides a high level of service in every important category.

The provider’s large global server network provides fast, well-protected connections that offer reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The provider comes with support for popular device platforms (as well as routers), keeps your devices protected, and offers customer support that is always available in your time of need.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Dhaka VPN FAQs

Will I Get a Local IP Address From Dhaka With a VPN?

By using a VPN service that works in Bangladesh and has servers located inside the country, you can get an IP address located inside Bangladesh. While both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost offer servers in Bangladesh, only CyberGhost has servers based in Dhaka, providing a Dhaka IP address.

Is a VPN Easy to Set Up in Dhaka?

Yes. If your VPN offers native app support for your favorite device(s), you can quickly download and install the app on your device(s). Run the app, enter your username and password, select a server, connect, and you’re fully protected and ready to go.

Can I Keep My VPN on All the Time When I Visit Dhaka?

Yes. By doing this, you can ensure that your online activities are always protected from being observed or tracked. Many providers’ apps offer a feature to automatically enable VPN protection when you turn on your device. By enabling the feature, you won’t forget to turn it on and risk having your online travels or your true IP address exposed.