VPN Options for Myanmar
Myanmar faces one of the most restrictive online environments globally, with a mere 9/100 rating for internet freedom from Freedom House in 2024-2025. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help by altering your IP address and encrypting your traffic, enhancing both privacy and security.
After rigorous testing of over 78 major VPNs, we have identified the ones that offer the highest encryption levels and the ability to bypass blocks effectively. Our top recommendation for Myanmar is NordVPN, which provides access to otherwise blocked websites and services.
It's crucial to note that since the military coup in 2021, the use of VPNs has been banned in Myanmar. We strongly advise readers to consider the potential risks before using a VPN.
Despite the ban, many citizens in Myanmar continue to use VPNs to secure their online presence and protect their digital communications. Our team at Comparitech has thoroughly tested and researched the best VPNs for Myanmar, understanding the critical need for secure and private internet access.
For those who prefer a quick list, here are our top recommendations:
- NordVPN : Best overall for Myanmar. Offers a vast server network, fast speeds, effective obfuscation, and strong security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. The cheapest plan (Standard) is sufficient for Myanmar.
- Surfshark : Best budget option. No connection limit, prioritizes privacy, good speeds, extensive network, and excellent unblocking capabilities.
- ExpressVPN : Provides solid speeds, always-on obfuscation, robust security, and compatibility with most streaming services.
- PureVPN : Disguises VPN traffic, servers in 65+ countries, fast speeds, and competitively priced.
- Hotspot Shield : Features automatic Wi-Fi protection and a proprietary protocol that obfuscates traffic. Servers in 80+ countries.
Important Note: Many free and unreliable VPNs can leak information, compromising your privacy. We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security, and our list only includes those that ensure anonymity and do not track your activity. Additionally, all recommended VPNs come with a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
Our recommendations are based on the following criteria:
- Speed : Given Myanmar's slow internet, we tested providers multiple times to ensure they did not further reduce speed.
- Network Features : Providers were scored on their obfuscation capabilities to bypass strict government-imposed blocks, as well as the number of countries and servers in their network.
- Security and Privacy : Only providers that met 16 stringent security and privacy criteria were recommended.
- Ease of Use : User-friendly interfaces were evaluated using 10 different criteria.
- Value for Money : Providers were vetted using eight value-for-money metrics to ensure a good deal.
For a more detailed look at our testing process and the data generated, read on. To get started, we recommend checking out NordVPN, our top choice for Myanmar.
After conducting thorough research, we have identified the top-performing VPNs for users in Myanmar. Mar 2025NordVPN stands out as the premier option for those in Myanmar seeking a reliable and secure VPN. With over ten years in the industry, it continually enhances its offerings to stay ahead.
During our evaluation, connecting to US servers with NordVPN consistently delivered speeds surpassing 200 Mbps across multiple tests. This performance is notably superior, averaging more than 74 Mbps above the combined average of other tested providers.
Privacy is a cornerstone of NordVPN's service. The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no user data, such as session details, traffic, or timestamps, is stored. Additionally, being based in Panama means NordVPN is not subject to any compulsory data retention laws.
Security features are robust, including 256-bit AES encryption and 2,048-bit SSL keys. Users also benefit from DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. NordVPN further enhances security with its proprietary protocols: NordLynx, designed for speed and privacy, and NordWhisper, which conceals VPN usage.
NordVPN boasts an extensive network of over 7,400 servers distributed across 118 countries worldwide, offering versatile options for all your online activities. While Myanmar itself doesn't host any NordVPN servers, users can connect through numerous alternatives available throughout Southeast Asia. Additionally, the service provides abundant connection points across European and North American regions, ensuring reliable access regardless of your digital needs.
NordVPN is an excellent choice for those in Myanmar, offering robust security and impressive speed. It provides a range of specialized servers, including options for enhanced privacy, torrenting, and even Tor over VPN. A key feature is its obfuscated servers, which mask VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, making it ideal for use in restrictive environments.
This service supports a wide array of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring compatibility with most devices.
Consider NordVPN if:
- You need advanced obfuscation technology that works on any server, especially useful in highly restrictive areas.
- You prioritize fast connection speeds over other services.
- You require specific servers for additional privacy, such as P2P, Double VPN, or Tor over VPN.
- You are looking for a provider with a strong presence in Southeast Asia.
- You prefer a company headquartered in Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws.
However, NordVPN may not be the best fit if:
- You are primarily focused on finding the cheapest option available.
As our top recommendation for Myanmar, NordVPN offers outstanding unblocking capabilities, coupled with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice. For a more detailed evaluation, check out our in-depth review of NordVPN. Surfshark delivers an impressive balance of performance and protection, making it accessible for newcomers while offering advanced capabilities for experienced users—all at a budget-friendly price point.
In our performance testing, Surfshark achieved remarkable average speeds of 198.5 Mbps, sufficient for demanding activities like HD streaming and online gaming with minimal latency.
It's worth noting, however, that your actual experience in Myanmar may be constrained by the country's infrastructure limitations, with median fixed broadband speeds currently hovering around 26.66 Mbps.
Operating under British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, Surfshark benefits from privacy-friendly regulations with no mandatory data retention requirements. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy, collecting only anonymous aggregate statistics that cannot be traced back to individual users.
For those concerned about digital privacy in restrictive environments like Myanmar, Surfshark offers robust protection including military-grade AES-256 encryption, automatic connection kill switch, comprehensive leak prevention systems, and a specialized NoBorders feature designed specifically to bypass internet censorship measures.
Users have the option to link up with more than 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. Some of these servers offer multi-routing of your traffic, enhancing security even further.
VPNs for Myanmar: Security & Speed
Surfshark delivers reliable cross-platform compatibility with dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux systems
Advanced users can configure it manually on select routers for network-wide protection
This provider shines for users prioritizing affordability without sacrificing core features
Key advantages include uncapped device connections per account and specialized tools like NoBorders (bypassing strict censorship) and MultiHop (routing traffic through multiple servers)
The 30-day refund policy provides risk-free testing
While excellent for general use, it lacks niche server types like dedicated IPs or optimized gaming nodes
Budget-conscious readers in Myanmar will appreciate its balance of speed, security add-ons, and pricing
For deeper analysis of its obfuscation capabilities and regional performance, explore our comprehensive Surfshark evaluation
ExpressVPN’s global network spans 105 countries with 3,000+ servers
While Myanmar-specific server numbers aren’t disclosed
the service still enables reliable access to regional content
Users benefit from intuitive apps requiring minimal configuration
paired with enterprise-grade encryption for data protection
Speed tests revealed consistent performance averaging 111 Mbps
making HD streaming and international calls seamless
This stability proves valuable for locals overseas needing home services
and foreign residents requiring uncensored internet access
Connection reliability stood out during trials
with negligible speed drops across testing periods
The blend of geographic diversity and robust security
positions it as a versatile choice for Myanmar-related needs
ExpressVPN employs military-grade 256-bit AES-CBC encryption
paired with HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy for robust data protection
Its automatic kill switch feature blocks internet access during VPN disruptions to prevent accidental exposure
The service maintains a strict no-traffic-logs policy, ensuring browsing activities remain unrecorded
Minimal metadata like connection dates and server locations is retained, but excludes timestamps and user IP addresses
Bandwidth usage statistics are tracked solely for server optimization purposes
This layered approach prioritizes user anonymity while maintaining network performance standards
This versatile VPN offers applications for Android and iOS, as well as support for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Consider purchasing it if:
- You require servers based in Myanmar to get a local IP address
- You prefer automatic obfuscation without the need for manual settings
- You seek steady connection speeds at all times
However, if you are:
- Working with a limited budget, this might not be the ideal choice
ExpressVPN stands out by operating in 105 countries, excelling in unblocking content. It provides robust encryption and does not keep logs that could identify users. Each subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more detailed insights, check out our full review of ExpressVPN. PureVPN offers an extensive global server infrastructure spanning more than 65 countries worldwide. For users in countries with internet restrictions, the service implements obfuscation technology on all connections, effectively disguising VPN traffic as regular browsing activity.
Privacy-conscious users will appreciate that PureVPN has undergone four independent security audits, confirming its strict no-logs policy. This means your online activities remain private, with no records kept of your browsing history or connection details.
Security features include robust 256-bit AES encryption that creates a secure tunnel for all your internet traffic. The service also incorporates comprehensive protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, ensuring your real IP address remains hidden at all times.
Additional security measures include an automatic kill switch that immediately terminates your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly, preventing any data exposure. PureVPN also includes built-in ad blocking functionality to enhance browsing speed and protect against malicious advertisements.
During our extensive speed testing of PureVPN's US-based servers, we recorded impressive performance metrics. Our multiple test sessions revealed consistent high-speed connections, yielding an average speed of 125.1 Mbps.
This level of performance makes PureVPN an excellent choice for users who need reliable connections for streaming news content or browsing video-heavy social media platforms without buffering interruptions.
One of PureVPN's standout features is its user-friendly interface. All applications across different platforms come equipped with a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI), significantly enhancing the user experience. This intuitive design ensures that even those with minimal technical knowledge can navigate the service with ease.
PureVPN delivers cross-platform compatibility across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
Offering 10 multi-device connections
Its standout feature remains advanced obfuscation technology that reliably evades digital censorship barriers
Servers spanning 65+ nations balance speed with stealthy traffic masking
Ideal for users prioritizing discreet browsing over streaming optimization
Integrated ad/tracker blocking enhances privacy without third-party tools
Budget-friendly extended subscriptions include a five-year plan
Drawbacks emerge for media enthusiasts – inconsistent access to geo-restricted streaming platforms
Connection cap might prove insufficient for large device networks
Audited no-logs policy and 31-day refund window provide risk-free testing
Explore detailed analysis in our comprehensive PureVPN evaluation Boasting a network of around 1,800 servers spanning more than 80 countries, this VPN service maintains a strong presence in Southeast Asia. Users can connect through servers in neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, as well as Bangladesh and Bhutan.
The service's proprietary Hydra protocol effectively disguises user traffic, making it particularly valuable for bypassing sophisticated government censorship systems—even the notoriously strict Great Firewall of China. For those preferring alternative connection methods, the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol and IKEv2 are also supported options.
The software enables automatic reconnection to previously used servers at startup
or initiates secure links when detecting unprotected public Wi-Fi networks.
Essential safeguards include an emergency disconnect feature (kill switch)
paired with DNS/IPv6 leakage prevention to maintain privacy boundaries.
App-specific traffic routing (split tunneling) allows selective encryption
for balancing speed and security across different applications.
When evaluating VPNs for use in Myanmar, it's crucial to consider both the speed and the security measures a provider offers. One such provider, while not the fastest, still delivers sufficient speeds for various online activities, including streaming. It can unblock platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, with dedicated streaming servers available.
The provider supports major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, providing ample time to test the service. A significant advantage is its zero-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private.
Consider this VPN if:
- You need a proprietary protocol, such as the Hydra protocol, which is effective against government firewalls.
- You require servers in neighboring countries like Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
- An extended refund period is essential to you.
However, avoid this VPN if:
- You prioritize the highest possible speeds.
- You are looking for the most budget-friendly option.
With a long-standing reputation, this provider is a reliable choice for many uses, including as a VPN for Myanmar. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, further bolstering their reliability.
To set up a VPN in Myanmar, follow these steps:
- Browse our list of recommended VPN services; top choices include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
- Register, pay, and download the apps for your devices.
- Open the VPN app and log in.
- Choose a server location, such as the US or UK, or a local IP address if you are traveling.
- Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish.
- Once connected, a green notification icon will appear in your taskbar.
- Browse the web as usual, and websites will think you are located in the selected server country, allowing access to geo-restricted content and services.
NordVPN currently offers a fully-featured, risk-free 30-day trial. This allows you to test the top-rated VPN for Myanmar without any restrictions. If you find it unsuitable, simply contact support within 30 days for a full refund.
Privacy and security are paramount when choosing a VPN. Some providers have a spotty track record. For example, Hidemyass (HMA) has been accused of handing over user data to law enforcement, despite having a no-logs policy. In 2011, HMA cooperated with the FBI, leading to the arrest of a hacker. Avoid this provider unless they update their logging policies.
Another provider to avoid is Hola, which has misused its large user base to create a botnet, engaging in malicious activities like DDoS attacks and promoting illegal content.
Given the strict internet controls in Myanmar, we prioritized VPNs that excel in maintaining user privacy and bypassing internet blocks. Our top criteria include:
- Strong encryption (256-bit AES or better).
- Protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.
- A kill switch for added security.
These features ensure that your online identity remains secure and that you can access the internet freely.
VPN Solutions for Myanmar's Censorship
Our evaluation focused on key aspects that matter most for reliable VPN performance in Myanmar’s restrictive digital environment
Speed consistency was tested across multiple times of day to simulate real-world usage patterns
NordVPN and Surfshark excelled in maintaining fast connections even during peak hours
Obfuscation capabilities were prioritized to combat government censorship tactics
Server network diversity proved crucial for accessing global content and services
NordVPN’s extensive server infrastructure gave it an edge in availability metrics
Surfshark emerged as a strong contender despite having fewer physical servers
User experience analysis focused on intuitive setup processes for non-technical users
All providers were assessed for cross-platform compatibility and installation simplicity
Privacy standards like military-grade encryption formed the foundation of our scoring
Real-world testing replaced theoretical claims to ensure practical reliability
Performance metrics were weighted to reflect Myanmar’s specific connectivity challenges
Transparent privacy policies and jurisdiction details factored into final rankings
The results highlight solutions balancing speed, security, and accessibility needs
When evaluating usability, we implemented a comprehensive scoring system that converted cumulative metrics into a 10-point scale. The VPNs receiving the highest marks demonstrated exceptional user-friendliness.
NordVPN emerged as the clear frontrunner with its intuitive interface design, seamless user onboarding experience, and responsive customer support team. For those seeking an alternative option, ExpressVPN stands as another industry leader with comparable quality.
Assessing true value requires looking beyond the basic monthly subscription cost. Our evaluation incorporated various factors including available discounts, promotional offers, and the feasibility of account sharing among multiple users. The comparative performance of each VPN service against our value assessment criteria is presented in the detailed comparison table below.
Navigating Digital Freedom in Myanmar: VPN Solutions for a Restricted Internet Landscape
The digital landscape in Myanmar has become increasingly restricted, with severe internet censorship and surveillance measures implemented by the military government. As of January 2025, unauthorized VPN installation can result in a six-month prison sentence, highlighting the challenging environment for internet users.
After evaluating multiple VPN providers based on comprehensive metrics, we found Surfshark to be the leading option with a remarkable 9.7 rating. Its unlimited device connections and competitive pricing make it particularly valuable. NordVPN stands as a solid alternative for those seeking different features.
The military's control over Myanmar's internet infrastructure has intensified following the acquisition of foreign-owned telecommunications companies Telenor and Ooredoo. This consolidation has placed all service providers under direct or indirect military influence, further complicating the digital freedom landscape.
Internet shutdowns have become a tactical tool used by authorities to prevent opposition groups from organizing. These localized blackouts, combined with ongoing blocks on social media platforms and news outlets, severely restrict information access for millions of citizens.
The implementation of a nationwide biometric data system represents another layer of surveillance specifically targeting human rights defenders and political dissidents. This systematic monitoring of online communications creates significant risks for those seeking uncensored information.
While free VPN options exist, they typically offer minimal security features and weak encryption—an unacceptable compromise given the high-stakes environment in Myanmar. Using substandard protection could expose users to serious legal consequences.
VPN technology provides a potential solution by creating an encrypted connection between devices and servers outside Myanmar's borders. This encryption masks users' IP addresses and online activities, helping circumvent government-imposed restrictions while providing a measure of anonymity.
For Myanmar citizens, VPNs offer more than just technical benefits—they represent a pathway to access diverse information and viewpoints without immediate risk of identification. This digital protection helps users avoid self-censorship driven by fear of government repercussions.
Despite these advantages, users must remain vigilant about the evolving legal situation. The criminalization of VPN usage means that individuals must carefully weigh the benefits against potential risks while staying informed about changes in enforcement practices.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN serves as a tool that enables viewers to bypass geographical restrictions, allowing them to access a broader range of content by connecting to servers in various countries. This technology is particularly useful for those who want to watch shows and movies that are not available in their local Netflix library, enhancing their streaming experience with a more diverse selection.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If you’re looking to access region-restricted Netflix content, SafeShell VPN is a top choice to Netflix unblocked with ease. Its optimized servers ensure seamless streaming, eliminating buffering and lag even in high-definition playback. The platform’s proprietary technology bypasses geo-blocks effortlessly, granting access to global libraries while maintaining lightning-fast speeds. Coupled with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy, SafeShell VPN safeguards your online activity, allowing you to enjoy shows and movies without compromising privacy.
SafeShell VPN further stands out with its versatility, supporting up to five devices simultaneously across platforms like iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more. The unique App Mode lets you unlock content from multiple regions at once, perfect for exploring diverse Netflix catalogs or other streaming services. With no bandwidth restrictions and a risk-free free trial plan, users can experience its premium features firsthand. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or downloading, SafeShell VPN combines speed, security, and flexibility to redefine your entertainment experience.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
Accessing global Netflix content has never been easier with SafeShell Netflix VPN , a powerful tool designed to bypass geo-restrictions and unlock a world of entertainment. To begin your unrestricted streaming journey, first visit the SafeShell website and select a subscription plan that aligns with your viewing habits and budget constraints. After completing your purchase, download the appropriate application for your device – whether you're using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android – and follow the simple installation prompts to set up the service on your system.
Once installation is complete, launch the SafeShell application and log into your account using your credentials. For optimal Netflix streaming performance, select the APP mode when prompted, as this configuration is specifically optimized for media streaming services. Next, browse through SafeShell's extensive server network and select a location that corresponds to the Netflix library you wish to access – popular choices include servers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, each offering unique content catalogs unavailable in other regions.
With your SafeShell Netflix VPN connection established to your desired region, simply open the Netflix application or navigate to the Netflix website in your browser. Sign in with your existing Netflix credentials, and you'll immediately notice that the content library has transformed to reflect the region of your selected VPN server. Now you can enjoy thousands of previously inaccessible shows and movies, expanding your entertainment options beyond your local Netflix catalog, all while maintaining the security and privacy benefits that come with SafeShell's encrypted connection.
