Best VPN for Zimbabwe in 2024 – Fast and Private

According to Freedom House, Zimbabwe’s internet is “partly free,” gaining a score of 46/100 for the year 2021. (0 equals “least free,” 100 equals “most free.”)

Internet in Zimbabwe is heavily limited thanks to a growing economic crisis and inadequate infrastructure. Plus, government officials in the country throttled internet speeds during anti-government protests in 2020.

The Zimbabwean government is considering new criminal penalties on online speech. There’s also some evidence that the government is likely a client of the surveillance technology company Circles.

In addition to possible online hazards, Zimbabweans have the same issues as other users around the world in accessing geo-controlled content in other countries. This means Zimbabweans are missing out on a lot of great content.

For all of the above issues, you’ll find that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your online activities from prying eyes, while also providing access to content around most of the globe.

A VPN encases your internet connection in an encrypted tunnel of sorts. This prevents your online activities from being monitored and allows you to get around most online roadblocks or restrictions your government may have erected.

A VPN also provides your connected devices with a fresh IP address located in another country. This allows you to access geo-controlled content located in other countries.

In this article, I discuss the top 5 best VPNs for protecting your online activities while in Zimbabwe and opening up access to content from other parts of the world.

How to Use a VPN to Connect From Inside of Zimbabwe

Whether you’re inside or outside of Zimbabwe, you can connect to a VPN server by following these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (I suggest NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN app.
4. Select and connect to a server anywhere around the globe. 
5. Enjoy your newfound internet security and freedom!

Note: None of the providers in this article offer VPN servers in Zimbabwe.

Best VPNs for Zimbabwe

The 5 VPNs listed below have proven to offer the best VPN services for users in Zimbabwe.

For those of you in a hurry, here’s a quick summary:

1. NordVPN: This top-ranked provider offers reliable VPN protection and enhancement, all without breaking the bank. The provider’s large global server network provides excellent and well-protected access to geo-controlled content for most popular devices.
2. Surfshark: Surfshark is the best VPN option for users on a tight budget. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, excellent app support, a large global server network, and top-notch online security and privacy. It does all of this for a low, low price.
3. ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is an ultra-reliable, if rather expensive, VPN provider. The provider’s services include an impressive global server network, as well as comprehensive support for most popular devices, browsers and routers. The provider’s fast connections are excellent for accessing content nearly anywhere around the globe.
4. CyberGhost: This provider should prove to be attractive to rookie VPN users, as well as users in search of one-click access to an extensive global server network. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections provide access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers are available.
5. IPVanish: Users who own multiple connected devices and those looking for an extra bit of privacy protection will appreciate how IPVanish places no limit on the number of devices that can connect to its proprietary server network on a single account.

I ranked the top VPNs according to the following criteria:

• Security and privacy protections
• Global server network
• Speed and reliability of connections
• Multi-platform app support
• Customer support offerings

Here are the best 5 VPNs for use while in Zimbabwe.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN provides top-notch VPN protection and enhancement, snagging the top spot.

Your online security is well-handled here thanks to the provider’s use of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. Malware, botnet and ad blocking adds to the excellent security protections.

NordVPN performs equally well in the privacy department, as it follows a strict no-server-logs policy, and it accepts Bitcoin as a privacy-friendly payment option. The provider is also moving to a self-owned and self-operated server model, which will keep third-party operators away from your personal information.

NordVPN is one of a growing number of providers that run all server operations 100% from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. All data is completely wiped from NordVPN servers each time they’re rebooted.

NordVPN offers great access to geo-controlled content, with 5,200+ servers dotting the globe in 60 countries, excepting Zimbabwe.

Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to worry about with NordVPN. The provider’s fast speeds allow you to stream video in HD and 4K, game and share files.

NordVPN native app support includes options for the Windows, macOS (with native M1 Mac support), Linux, iOS, Android and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions are available to protect your browsing sessions, and the provider also works with a variety of router makes and models.

Up to 6 devices can concurrently connect to the provider’s servers on a single user account.

Customer support is another department where NordVPN performs exceedingly well. 24/7 chat support, email support and a searchable knowledge base provide always-available support.

BEST VPN FOR ZIMBABWE:NordVPN offers comprehensive VPN services for a reasonable price. NordVPN’s well-protected connections are blazingly-fast, it boasts impressive server coverage, and its privacy protections and app support are both above average. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent option for users on a tight budget. The provider delivers top-notch VPN services for a low price.

Surfshark’s comprehensive security includes military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection. In addition, malware and phishing protections, as well as ad and tracker blocking, are also available.

The provider’s “Multi-Hop” feature doubles up on your anonymity by routing your internet connection through two VPN servers instead of just one.

The provider protects you equally well in the privacy department, as it accepts Bitcoin as a secure payment option, and it follows a strict no-server-logs policy.

Surfshark boasts 3,200+ servers in 65 countries (not Zimbabwe), providing plenty of content-unblocking power from around the globe. The provider unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries around the world.

Depending on your normal internet speeds, Surfshark provides more than enough horsepower for video streaming, gaming and file sharing. There are no data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

When it comes to app support, Surfshark has the macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, Windows, Android, iOS and Amazon Fire device platforms covered. Support for most popular routers is available, and browser extensions are available for the Chrome and Firefox platforms.

An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance enables you to simultaneously connect as many of your devices as you want to its servers.

Surfshark’s customer support includes 24/7 live support chat, email support, a “contact us” form and a searchable support library.

EXCELLENT SECURITY ON A BUDGET:Surfshark delivers comprehensive security and privacy for a budget-minded price. An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance allows you to protect as many devices as you want. The provider’s speeds are fast, and its app support is extensive. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an expensive, yet value-packed and reliable VPN provider.

The provider protects your connections with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protections. The provider offers a proprietary “Lightway” protocol, which is designed to provide improved security and performance.

Your privacy is protected by a strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. ExpressVPN also runs its VPN servers on a proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, running all operations entirely in RAM, with no data ever being saved to a physical hard drive. All of your data is completely wiped every time a server is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s impressive global server network includes over 3,000 servers stationed in over 90 countries across the globe (not Zimbabwe, though). The provider’s network provides access to Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix and other streaming services.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are some of the fastest I’ve seen, delivering more than enough bandwidth for streaming video in HD and 4K, playing fast-moving online games and sharing large files.

The provider’s native app support includes options for the macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. It also offers compatibility with multiple makes and models of routers.

You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously to the VPN’s servers on a single set of login credentials.

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

RELIABLE VPN FOR ZIMBABWE:ExpressVPN is a top-notch choice for reliable VPN protection and enhancement for your Zimbabwe-based online activities. The provider’s large server network delivers fast connections for most popular devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Whether you’re a first-time VPN user or are simply a user in search of quick and easy VPN protection, CyberGhost may be the VPN for you.

CyberGhost offers comprehensive online security protections, including government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS/IP leak protections, and malicious website and ad blocking.

CyberGhost also keeps no logs on its servers and accepts cryptocurrencies as a way to keep your payment info undercover.

CyberGhost has one of the largest global server networks on the market, with 7,000+ servers in 90 countries, but not Zimbabwe. The provider’s impressive global coverage offers comprehensive access to streaming video and other kinds of content around the globe.

Whether you enjoy streaming video, online gaming or sharing files with friends, CyberGhost’s super-fast connections are ready for it. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about bandwidth limitations or data caps.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use native apps include offerings for the iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, Android TV and Amazon Fire device platforms. You can also protect your browsing sessions with the provider’s Chrome or Firefox extensions, and there’s plenty of support for routers.

The provider allows up to 7 devices to concurrently connect to its servers at one time.

Around-the-clock live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system and a support library mean customer support is always available.

BEST VPN FOR ROOKIE USERS:First-time VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost. The provider delivers fast download speeds with plenty of security and privacy protections through a large global server network, delivered to a large group of devices. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections to its proprietary global server network.

IPVanish offers extensive online security thanks to its use of bank-grade connection encryption, a kill switch with auto-reconnect, and a “scramble” feature that makes your VPN activity look like normal browser traffic.

While IPVanish never saves logs of any kind, it lacks a cryptocurrency payment option. However, the provider makes up for this thanks to their servers, which the provider owns and operates itself (instead of leasing them from third parties). That keeps third-party contractors far away from your personal data.

There are 1,900+ servers stationed around the world in 54+ countries, but not Zimbabwe. While that coverage isn’t the best around, it’s likely more than enough for your needs.

Fast connection speeds are standard from this provider, meaning your online experience will continue to be an enjoyable one. You can stream, share files and play fast-moving games with these speeds. Unlimited bandwidth and data comes with your subscription.

IPVanish offers native app support for the macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and ChromeOS device platforms. Linux and Raspberry Pi users can manually set up the VPN on those devices.

While no browser extensions are available from IPVanish, there’s plenty of support for routers.

IPVanish allows you to concurrently connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers on one account. So, those of you with a lot of devices to protect are covered.

24/7 live support chat, an FAQ center and a searchable support library make up the provider’s always-available support.

PROTECTION FOR SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS:If you have multiple devices to connect, you’ll appreciate IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. The provider’s security and privacy protections are above average, and IPVanish owns and operates its server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe residents and visitors enjoy a reasonable amount of online freedom. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider several important factors before deciding on a VPN service for use from inside of the country.

These are the important features to research when considering a VPN for use while in Zimbabwe:

• Connection Speed: As you likely already know, faster internet connections make most of your online activities more enjoyable. So, look for a VPN that doesn’t slow your internet connection to a great extent. (Admittedly, all VPNs slow your speeds at least somewhat.)
• Server Network: The larger a VPN’s global server network, the better your access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Also, look for a server network with multiple servers in your favorite country. This helps ensure that no single server will be overloaded with connections, hurting the performance of the servers.
• Value: Look for a VPN provider that delivers a good return on your investment. All VPNs on my list offer features and functionality that make them a good value.
• Security and Privacy: Any VPN worth your consideration will offer banking-grade encryption, a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. It’s a bonus if it offers anything like extra privacy protections. A no-logs policy, however, is a must-have feature.
• Streaming: The VPNs I include on my streaming-related VPN lists (which include these VPNs) usually provide reliable access to numerous streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu and other popular streaming services.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Can I Use a Free VPN in Zimbabwe?

No matter where you’re located, don’t use a free VPN. They are extremely inconvenient to use, and your privacy is at risk when using a free VPN.

Some free VPNs will make you queue up before allowing you to connect to their limited server network. Once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll find that you have extremely limited server options to choose from – and that’s if you’re given a choice at all. (Some freebie VPNs will simply auto-connect you to a server of their choice.)

Now that you’re connected, I’ll bet that your connection speeds have slowed down greatly. Freebie VPN providers will both throttle your connection speeds and impose daily or monthly data caps on your usage. That’s because they want to preserve most of their bandwidth for their paying users.

As for your privacy, forget about keeping your online travels on the downlow.

Free VPNs pay the bills by tracking their users, logging their activities and then selling that information to advertisers and other nosy types with money. Plus, you may notice unwanted ads and tracking cookies being injected into your browsing sessions.

Steer clear of free VPNs – they are not a good value or a good way to keep your online travels incognito. Try NordVPN or Surfshark instead, which offer their problem-free services for a low price.

What Else Can A VPN Do For Me?

A reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) does a top-notch job of hiding your private online activities, while also improving your entertainment options by providing access to geo-controlled content.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, acting as an impenetrable virtual tunnel that hides your online travels, preventing bad guys and various government types from tracking you.

A VPN also prevents your ISP from tracking your online activities, preventing it from logging your activities so they can sell that valuable information to advertisers or turn it over to the government.

Encryption also prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection for engaging in what the ISP defines as “unapproved” activities. These activities include streaming from certain frowned-upon sources or sharing files via BitTorrent.

A VPN also protects you when you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot in a coffee shop or other public location.

These hotspots are usually unencrypted. While this makes it easier to connect to the hotspot, it also leaves your online activities wide open to bad actors. Using a VPN protects you while you’re shopping online, paying bills or engaging in other sensitive online activities.

A VPN also has the ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device. If you connect to a VPN server in another country, you’ll have an IP address that is normally assigned only to devices located in that country. This will make the rest of the internet see you as connecting from that country.

This means you’ll gain access to geo-controlled content that is normally not available from your location. This includes streaming video and audio services, gaming servers, financial services and other content.

VPN for Zimbabwe FAQs

Conclusion

NordVPN is your best bet for reliable internet protection and enhancement when surfing the internet in Zimbabwe and elsewhere.

NordVPN offers comprehensive online privacy and security protections, fast download speeds and access to geographically-leveraged content from all around the globe. The provider’s multi-platform support means apps are available for most of your devices, and you can always get help 24/7 through its excellent customer support team.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.