Malaysia, a place of beauty best known for its crystal clear waters, white sands, delicious cuisine and not forgetting the magnificent Kuala Lumpur with its sky-scraping twin towers.

While it has many things to offer to any budding tourists, one thing that lets it down is the Malaysian government habit of censorship of the internet.

This means websites such as torrent sites, pornography, gambling sites and even fiction sites cannot be accessed (source). The problem also extends to some news sites and other legitimate content to.

Not only do tourists struggle to access such sites while travelling, but locals have the same troubles too especially when it comes to trying to access popular films and TV shows, as Malaysia has a rather extensive list that is banned.

However, even with its stringent censorship, there are ways in which you can access content that is blocked while keeping yourself and your data secure using a Virtual Private Network.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online privacy and security tool that can help users bypass censorship and fool their internet provider into letting them have unbroken internet access.

The problem is that there are hundreds of different VPN service provider sites all vying for your business. And there are plenty of VPN services that will brazenly claim to be the best Malaysia VPN.

Looking at all these best VPN services can make choosing the right one for you feel like an impossible choice. So, which VPN should you choose out of the vast sea of options?

In this guide, we will explain which are really the best VPN providers for Malaysian internet users. And we will answer all your questions about VPN service providers and the features and services they offer too.

1. ExpressVPN

When it comes to speed, ExpressVPN is on of the fastest VPN providers around and it’s ideal for streaming videos on sites like BBC iPlayer or Netflix, browsing the web or playing the latest video games without a problem.

While it boasts the fastest speeds around, it’s also known for its powerful 256-bit military grade encryption that comes as standard. This VPN encrypts everything you do online and offers robust public WiFi protection too.

There are over 3,000 VPN servers available from 160 locations all around the globe including in Malaysia itself and other local countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan. This means that you can unblock geo-restricted content from almost anywhere.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands which means it can offer a strict no logging policy you can trust alongside rock-solid security.

There are plenty of features like DNS leak protection, and, as the name suggests, ExpressVPN offers lightning fast connection speed over a reliable connection which makes video streaming even in HD a breeze.

With each subscription of Express VPN, you get multiple connections of up to five different devices at the same time, meaning that all of your data will be kept as anonymous as possible and safe from any government snooping that may be going on.

Supported devices include iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Kindle, Games Consoles (Xbox One & 360, Playstation 3 and 4) and Wireless Routers (Sabai, DD-WRT, Asus, or Tomato).

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on this list, it is the best paid VPN for Malaysia.

Our Top Recommendation

30-day money back guarantee

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN has one of the largest networks in the industry; you’ll have access to over 5,700+ servers in 90 countries all around the world.

There are plenty of servers in Malaysia (10) as well as 19 in nearby Thailand and 10 in Vietnam, which means you won’t have to worry about connection speeds. There are also plenty of other countries nearby and further afield for a variety of needs.

CyberGhost permits up to 7 different devices to be connected at once, which is ideal for households which indulge in internet usage on multiple devices or if you’re travelling with a lot of tech.

There are apps for most of the popular devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux.

It has an attractive price point which makes it one of the most affordable VPN providers and it also offers a 45-day money back guarantee, which is one of the best around.

45-day money back guarantee

3. NordVPN

Our 3rd place goes to NordVPN, which has grown to become one of the most popular VPNs on the planet that regularly has fantastic offers and a standard 30 day money back guarantee.

It has a huge VPN server network with local servers in Malaysia that will keep your data secured, allowing you to browse the internet in safety while maintaining good speeds.

With NordVPN, you can connect six different devices at once and has apps for all popular devices and extensions for most popular browsers.

NordVPN has a great VPN app for almost every device. It’s privacy protections are rock solid and its no user logs guarantee means it won’t log traffic details or reveal your real IP Address.

With NordVPN you have thousands of IPs to choose from and features like double VPN and VPN over TOR help the cautious to stay extra-secure.

VPN connection speeds are fast and reliable meaning this VPN provider is ideal for watching streaming services safely. It’s ideal for use on public Wi-Fi networks too.

There is one downside to using Nord; they currently don’t allow the use of Paypal for payments so you’ll need to give them a miss if that’s your only payment option.

30-day money back guarantee

4. Surfshark

Next up is Surfshark VPN that comes with some fantastic security features as well as a server size of over 1,040+ within 61 countries.

The biggest stand out feature from Surfshark is that it allows you to connect an unlimited amount of devices to your account, meaning you will never have to use an unsecured device ever again.

Each can even have its own individual IP Address if you like. No-one will ever work out your actual location.

With dedicated apps that can be used on all popular devices that unlimited connection promise will come in handy if you’re a heavy user of tech. There is a sizeable global network of servers for a provider so young and speeds are ideal for accessing streaming sites too.

Prices are some of the cheapest around but you’ll need to commit to their 24-month package to take advantage. Monthly prices are somewhat expensive but do mirror what many others charge for short periods.

30-day money back guarantee

5. VyprVPN

In 5th spot, we have VyprVPN.

With servers in Kuala Lumpur, you will get the best download speeds possible due to the local connection. This is a true Malaysia VPN and will give you reliable connections.

Their 256-bit security will keep your internet traffic safe while you are surfing the web. VyprVPN are known by VPN users for their reliability and has been around for a good while meaning they know what they are doing when it comes to your security.

Plus they’ve had their service audited to confirm their no-log policy is watertight.

As mentioned with the other services, there is a 30-day money back guarantee, which is more than enough time for you to test the services on offer to decide if it’s suitable for your needs.

30-day money back guarantee

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a VPN business that has picked itself up after a difficult few years and firmly reestablished itself as one of the best VPN providers around. If you are looking for a VPN in Malaysia you won’t go far wrong.

IPVanish has a VPN server network located around the world including ones in Malaysia which will help you to get a Malaysian IP Address. It offers a high level of encryption to protect your private data and online activities and its terrific range of apps make VPN usage a cinch.

If you want to unblock streaming services or get over the Great Firewall of China, this is not the VPN for you, but if you want a fast, reliable affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a user-friendly service, IPVanish could be one of the best VPN services for you.

30-day money back guarantee

7. HideMyAss

Hide My Ass is a VPN service provider that impresses and frustrates in equal measure. If you use a VPN for certain things, they are great, but otherwise can disappoint.

It has a huge VPN server network, with plenty of Malaysian IP Address and server options. These help to mask a user’s source IP address and allow them to remain anonymous online. But they also use a lot of virtual servers which can impact of the service they offer.

If your idea of the best VPN in Malaysia is one with tons of servers and IP address options, decent speeds, the ability to unblock streaming services and hide your activity from internet service providers, Hide My Ass could be one of the best VPN services for you.

But it charges more for extra connections, is located in a 5 Eyes Countries and has limited features. So, its not for everyone. But nevertheless it deserves a place on this list.

30-day money back guarantee

How did we select our choices?

While there are some 500+ VPN services to choose from, not all are suitable for use in Malaysia.

Here are the factors we used when considering our choices:

1) Local Connection Points

When selecting a VPN, local connection points are vital as they will ensure that you get the fastest connection speeds.

Connecting too far away from Malaysia can lead to slow speeds and buffering, especially if you’re somewhere remote with a poor connection.

2) Features

Nowadays the majority of people surfing the web will be doing so from a phone, tablet or laptop, which is no different in Malaysia.

So we have ensured that all of our top seven have easily accessible apps that make using a VPN a user-friendly experience. We have also considered useful security features that are sometimes, but not always included such as Dedicated IP addresses, double VPN servers, and kill switches.

When it comes to price, everybody likes a bargain. In Malaysia where salaries can be a lot lower than in the western world where VPN services are usually priced, our choices of VPN will be affordable even if you’re a local or travelling on a budget.

Plus each of our selection offers money back guarantees which take away any doubts you might be having about investing in a VPN.

3) No Logs

The priority when you use a VPN is ensuring that your data is safe and secure, especially from government entities that could be snooping on your data.

So VPNs that don’t store your information are all that we will ever recommend and are at the forefront when making our decision.

Some of these like ExpressVPN have had their claims audited which gives an added layer of trust and allow you internet access without the worry.

4) Fast, Secure connections

We know that people want the benefits of extra security and privacy without losing out on their connection speeds when using a VPN.

That’s why if you use a VPN from this guide, we have sought to guarantee that you will be getting a VPN connection that is fast, secure, and comes with unlimited bandwidth to let you do what you want, when you want. That’s what we believe the best VPN has to offer.

Why you need a VPN for Malaysia

Everyone’s use for a VPN will be different.

Whether you want to stay secure or simply stream the latest American Netflix movie. Below are some of the most common reasons:

1) Censorship

In Malaysia numerous websites are currently being blocked such as pornography, political websites, gambling, fiction sites, religious and even some music sites.

Not to mention the large list of banned movies and TV shows that will not be accessible to the local population or visitors.

That is of course if you’re not using a VPN.

2) Access overseas content

Want access to your favourite Netflix TV shows while you’re travelling? Or perhaps you are a Malaysian local who enjoys binge-watching the latest seasons of South Park.

If so, then you will need a VPN so you can access other region’s Netflix libraries.

No longer will you only have access to one library of Netflix shows/movies, but you’ll have any region’s libraries right at your fingertips. Hours and hours of content that will keep you entertained for years to come.

3) Privacy

In Malaysia there’s quite a considerable freedom of speech issue and when a country has such a firm policy towards freedom of speech, controlling the internet and what people can see is common practice.

Due to this, there tends to be a high amount of government snooping going on and the monitoring of people’s online activity.

As a result, everything you do online is logged and is accessible by the government.

This includes what websites you’ve visited, how long you where on the site for, your location, any downloads or uploads… the list goes on.

If they can monitor it, they will. The best VPN services will protect you against such snooping.

Frequently asked questions

1) Is VPN use illegal in Malaysia?

No, there are no laws against VPNs being used in Malaysia.

In fact, not many countries restrict the use of VPN services because they’re used by corporations to carry out business securely.

2) Is there a free VPN in Malaysia?

While there are some free VPNs available, we strongly recommend against them. Many free VPN providers offer unreliable and insecure services that could ultimately cause you a lot more harm than good.

Free VPNs regularly have very limited server options, don’t come with unlimited bandwidth, and you never really know where your data is going which is a concern when it comes to online security.

There have been cases where companies offering free VPNs have been secretly collecting your data which they can sell to third parties, hackers, and even your internet service provider.

Another problem with these types of services is their tendency to use your internet connection to power the VPN for others. This is extremely dangerous as any illegal activity done by others could be linked to your internet connection, which spells trouble for you.

As if the above wasn’t enough to put you off, but a massive 38% of free VPN software has been found to contain malware and other damaging code that can track your data and sell it on to turn a profit.

Steer clear.

3) Should I use a local Malaysian VPN service?

While using a local Malaysian VPN service might seem like a great idea, you might land yourself in a bit of trouble if you aren’t careful.

Ever heard of a Honeypot?

Well, unfortunately, local governments of censored states are known to set up services that will lead you into a false sense of security before they come knocking on your door and show you all of the data they have been collecting on you.

Which could mean a hefty fine or at worst a prison sentence, not such a great idea now is it?

In our view, the best VPN options for Malaysian internet users are not based in Malaysia.

4) Which VPN works in Malaysia?

All of our recommended VPNs work in Malaysia and they all have local servers that will ensure that you get the fastest speeds.

Using another VPN service that uses servers that are further away will mean that the internet speed will be less than optimal.

If you’re like me, you hate slow internet speeds.

Summary

If you want to protect your data and personal information while residing in Malaysia or perhaps you just want to access websites and content from another country then you will need a VPN.

Remember, not just any VPN will suffice.

You need to make sure that it’s reputable, reliable and doesn’t store or share your data.

You’ll want to make sure it has local connections available so that your internet speed isn’t painfully slow.

Our recommendation is to use ExpressVPN, but any of the recommended VPNs above will do. All the recommendations offer a money back guarantee so if you sign up and find the service isn’t suitable, you can get a full refund.

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