If you are living or traveling in Singapore, it is important to keep your internet access secure and private. One way to achieve this is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this guide, we will take a look at the best VPNs for Singapore and some to avoid, based on rigorous research and uncompromised testing.
Singapore is known as a business and technology hub in Southeast Asia, but there are concerns over the level of internet freedoms granted to residents. A VPN encrypts all the internet traffic flowing to and from your device, making it difficult for hackers or surveillance agencies to track your online activity. Additionally, a VPN service can be a handy tool for expatriates living in Singapore who want to securely access local media content from back home.
The Top VPN Services for Content and Streaming Access in Singapore
Looking to access content and streaming services in Singapore? Look no further than these top VPN services:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
- Private Internet Access
These VPNs have been tested and proven to provide reliable and fast access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. They also offer strong security features to keep your online activities private and secure.
With these VPN services, you can bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy your favorite content and streaming services from anywhere in the world.
1. NordVPN
Pros:
- NordVPN operates over 40 servers in Singapore, making it an ideal choice for local residents who want to access Singaporean websites while traveling abroad.
- This VPN service is great for streaming and provides reliable access to international services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- NordVPN is Tor-friendly, private, and secure, making it a great choice for users who prioritize online privacy.
- With impressive encryption standards, NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled, and automatic Wi-Fi protection is offered, which is especially useful for those who regularly connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
- NordVPN is the fastest VPN around, providing users with a seamless and speedy browsing experience.
- With 24/7 chat support, users can easily get help with server selection or any other issues they may encounter.
Cons:
- The desktop apps for NordVPN can be clunky at times, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Overall, NordVPN is a reliable and secure VPN service that has been in the business for over a decade, maintaining high standards for itself. With around 5,000 servers in 60+ countries, including over 40 servers in Singapore, NordVPN caters to the needs of users regardless of their requirements. It continues to hold zero data about its users, ensuring complete privacy and anonymity. NordVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a great choice for those who want to try out the service before committing to a long-term plan.
2. Surfshark
Pros:
- With Surfshark, you can connect as many devices as you like, making it an excellent choice for families or businesses with multiple devices.
- Surfshark has a strong focus on security and privacy, with a top privacy policy and a range of security features. It protects you from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, uses 256-bit encryption to hide your traffic from snoopers, and automatically blocks ads and malware for you.
- Surfshark works with all kinds of services abroad, making it an ideal choice for travelers or expats who want to access their favorite streaming services from anywhere in the world.
- Surfshark offers great connection speeds, making it a good choice for streaming live, high-definition video.
- Surfshark is very affordable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Cons:
- Some features, such as the ability to use Surfshark on your router, require an extra monthly payment.
Overall, Surfshark is a reliable and affordable VPN service that is ideal for users who want to connect multiple devices and prioritize their online security and privacy. With fast connection speeds and the ability to securely access all sorts of streaming platforms, Surfshark is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable VPN service.
3. ExpressVPN
Pros:
- ExpressVPN is a super-fast VPN service that works great in Singapore and is optimized for high-speed connections.
- It is also an excellent choice for Singaporeans who want to access their favorite local content while abroad.
- The service keeps no logs, uses military-grade encryption, and is strong on privacy, making it a reliable choice for users concerned about their online security.
- ExpressVPN offers live chat customer support, so you can get your questions answered quickly and easily.
Cons:
- ExpressVPN is not the cheapest choice on this list, but it is hard to beat on privacy and security.
- While the service does not keep traffic logs, it does record some minimal user information such as the “date (not time) of internet connection, choice of VPN Singapore and server location, and total bandwidth used”. This can’t be used to identify you and is only used to improve service quality standards.
- The service offers a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN provider that combines a neat, minimalistic, and functional design with impeccable service, making it a great choice for anyone in Singapore. The company operates over 3,000 secure VPN servers spread across 94 countries, including some in Singapore, which allows users to access websites like StarHub TV, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad.
One of the biggest advantages of ExpressVPN is its commitment to privacy and anonymity. The service keeps no traffic logs, so you can be sure that your online activity remains private. Additionally, the service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy to ensure that your data is always secure.
Another advantage of ExpressVPN is its speed. The service is optimized for high-speed connections, making it an ideal choice for users who want to stream content or download large files quickly and easily. The service also offers a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users who want a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service. While it may not be the cheapest option available, its commitment to privacy and security make it well worth the investment.
4. CyberGhost
Pros:
- CyberGhost has a vast network of almost 9,000 servers globally, with around two dozen servers located in Singapore alone. This feature makes it easy to access streaming service websites, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You can choose from a list of streaming-optimized servers when you log in to your VPN account, making the process as easy as possible.
- CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. These are considered top-tier standards, and there is also an internet kill switch included, which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.
- CyberGhost has apps available for PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. These apps are beginner-friendly and easy to install.
- CyberGhost operates some fast servers in Singapore that are great for streaming and downloading. Speed tests were impressive.
Cons:
- CyberGhost lacks options for advanced configurations.
Overall, CyberGhost is a novice-friendly VPN service that achieves fast and reliable connections with a good range of servers. It offers great online privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. CyberGhost also has a 45-day money-back guarantee, making it a low-risk option for those who want to try the service out.
5. IPVanish
Pros:
- IPVanish has a vast network of servers, with almost 2,000 servers spread across 60+ countries, including around 30 in Singapore. This means that you can expect fast and reliable connections from almost anywhere in the world.
- The VPN service offers some of the best security features we’ve tested. It uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. This means that your online activities are kept private and secure.
- IPVanish apps are preferred by remote-control users. The VPN service offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.
Cons:
- Streaming capabilities can be hit-or-miss with IPVanish. While it works well with some streaming sites, it may struggle with others.
- If you also need full internet access from China, look elsewhere. IPVanish is not the best option for users who need to bypass the Great Firewall of China.
Overall, IPVanish is a solid VPN service that delivers top-tier speeds without compromising on encryption standards or user privacy. With its vast network of servers and excellent security features, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable VPN service.
6. Private Internet Access
Pros:
- Private Internet Access (PIA) has a vast network of almost 10,000 servers in 80+ countries, including Singapore. This ensures that you have access to a broad range of servers to choose from.
- PIA secures your connection with 256-bit encryption and offers a kill switch, protecting you against DNS and IPv6 leaks. You can also lower the encryption level to get slightly faster speeds.
- PIA includes a tool that can block ads and malware automatically, ensuring a safer browsing experience.
- The WireGuard protocol is available for faster speeds, and you can also use a different port to help obfuscate your OpenVPN traffic.
- PIA has excellent customer support that is available 24/7 over live chat.
- PIA is a solid choice for day-to-day browsing and can handle tasks like streaming, torrenting, and video-calling.
Cons:
- PIA doesn’t work reliably in China, so if you’re traveling there, you may need to look for an alternative VPN provider.
- PIA is based in a Five Eyes country, which could raise concerns for some users who prioritize privacy.
Overall, Private Internet Access is a speedy and secure VPN that can handle almost anything you throw at it. It offers powerful privacy tools and quick servers all over the world (including in Singapore), plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. PIA is available on various platforms, including Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. However, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions to get it running on supported routers.
7. Atlas VPN
Pros:
- Atlas VPN has a global network of servers, including 45 locations, making it suitable for use both in Singapore and abroad.
- You can benefit from fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth when using Atlas VPN.
- Atlas VPN is consistent in unblocking geo-restricted content, including Singapore TV and streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.
- With an Atlas VPN subscription, you have access to 24-hour live chat and email support.
- You can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time.
- Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Atlas VPN offers extras such as a malware and tracker blocker and MultiHop servers.
- Atlas VPN does not keep identifying logs of users.
Cons:
- Atlas VPN has a smaller network compared to most other VPNs on this list.
- There is no support for routers.
Atlas VPN is a streaming-friendly VPN that has servers in dozens of countries, including Singapore. It is fast and unblocks many popular streaming platforms. You can connect all of your devices at once and get extra security with MultiHop servers. Atlas VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In summary, Atlas VPN is a reliable VPN that offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. It is consistent in unblocking geo-restricted content and offers excellent security features. However, it has a smaller network compared to most other VPNs on this list, and there is no support for routers.
How to Use a VPN for Singapore (A First Person Guide)
If you’re in Singapore and want to access region-restricted content or simply want to secure your online activities, using a VPN is a great option. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use a VPN in Singapore.
- Sign up for a reputable VPN service: The first step is to choose a VPN provider that suits your needs. In this guide, we’ll use NordVPN as an example, but you can choose any other reputable provider. Once you’ve signed up and created an account, download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Check your IP address: Before connecting to the VPN, it’s a good idea to check your current IP address. You can do this by using a tool like Comparitech’s IP address checker. Make a note of your IP address so you can verify that the VPN is working later.
- Connect to a server: Open the VPN app and select a server location. If you’re primarily concerned about security, choose a server location that’s close to your physical location, such as a Singaporean server. However, if you want to access content that’s restricted to a specific country, choose a server in that country. NordVPN allows you to choose a location on a map, but you can also search for a specific country.
- Verify that the VPN is working: Once you’ve connected to a server, go back to the IP address checker tool and check your IP address again. It should now show the IP address of the server you connected to, indicating that the VPN is working properly.
- Enjoy unrestricted access: With the VPN active, you can now access region-restricted content, torrent anonymously, and play games with friends in other countries. If you encounter any issues, try connecting to a different server or opening the website in a private tab to clear any old location data. If you still need help, contact your VPN provider’s support team via live chat.
Using a VPN in Singapore is a simple and effective way to protect your online privacy and access content that’s not available in your region. By following these steps, you can set up and use a VPN with ease, regardless of which provider you choose.
Our methodology: How we discovered the top VPNs for Singapore
If you’re browsing the web from Singapore, you may face challenges such as geo-blocked content and increasing levels of censorship. Fortunately, a VPN can help. In this section, we’ll reveal our methodology for selecting the best VPNs for Singapore.
Unblocking
To bypass restrictions and access a wide range of websites and services, you’ll need a VPN that can unblock them. We test VPNs to ensure that they can do just that, and we even try them out with online content ourselves.
Speed
Connecting to servers in other countries while your internet traffic is encrypted can slow down your connection. That’s why we look for VPNs that offer the fastest speeds, along with unlimited bandwidth, so you can browse, stream, and torrent as much as you like.
Network size
It’s frustrating to be restricted in what you can access online. That’s why we choose VPNs that provide servers in dozens of countries, enabling you to change your IP address and access content from almost anywhere in the world.
Security
A high-quality VPN should encrypt your internet traffic and protect you from leaks, particularly if you want to avoid the security risks posed by hackers and snoopers. We analyze VPN logging policies to find the best ones, and some VPNs even offer Double VPN servers for added digital privacy.
Privacy
In Singapore, your ISP may be required to hand over data to the government. To protect your online privacy, it’s essential to use a VPN that operates a strict no-logs policy, so there’s nothing to hand over if requested.
Ease of use
All of the above is important, but it means little if the VPN is too complicated to use. By trying out VPN apps ourselves, we find those that are beginner-friendly. We also test customer support to gauge the speed and quality of replies, and all of the VPNs we cover offer 24/7 live chat and email support.
Value for money
The VPNs we recommend offer all of the above features, and many other VPNs that offer similar features are priced similarly or even higher. By taking advantage of our VPN discount coupons, you can be confident that you’re getting the best value.
If you want to know more, check out our VPN testing methodology to see how we test every aspect of a VPN. We hope this helps you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Be aware: VPNs to avoid while in Singapore for secure content access
When it comes to using VPNs in Singapore, privacy is a top concern for many users. While some VPN providers have maintained their commitment to user privacy, others have been caught compromising their ethical standards. Here are two VPNs to avoid while in Singapore:
1. PureVPN
PureVPN, a paid VPN provider, once collaborated with the FBI to help identify a suspect accused of online blackmailing and extortion. While PureVPN claimed to have a ‘no-logs’ policy at the time, the company promptly analyzed their logs to identify the culprit. Although PureVPN insists that the content of communications was not recorded, this incident raised concerns about the company’s commitment to user privacy.
2. HolaVPN
In 2015, Israel-based HolaVPN illegally bifurcated part of its users’ bandwidth for Distributed Denial of Service Attacks and for distributing copyrighted content without any user consent. This turned its user base of almost 50 million into a massive botnet. HolaVPN’s unethical practices have made it a VPN to avoid like the plague.
While the use of VPNs for illegal activities is not condoned, VPN companies should prioritize ethics and privacy. When a VPN provider violates these principles, there should be no second chances. If you’re in Singapore, it’s recommended that you avoid PureVPN and HolaVPN to ensure your online privacy and security.
Should You Use a Free VPN for Singapore?
Free VPN services may seem tempting, but they come with hidden costs that can compromise your online privacy and security. These services need to make money to cover their costs, and they often do so by collecting and selling user data to third-party advertisers. This means that your online activities may be tracked, and your personal information may be shared with unknown entities.
Even if you manage to avoid data mining and tracking, free VPNs often come with limitations. You may experience data caps, bandwidth throttling, and limited server options. This can result in slower internet speeds and a less reliable connection.
In contrast, paid VPN services offer robust encryption and a wide range of servers to choose from. They also provide better customer support and more advanced features, such as split tunneling and kill switches.
Therefore, we recommend that you avoid free VPN services and opt for a paid VPN provider instead. This will ensure that your online activities remain private and secure, and that you have access to a reliable and fast internet connection.
Is Porn Legal in Singapore?
Singapore has strict laws that prohibit the download and distribution of any form of material depicting sexual acts, including movies, pictures, or books. However, these laws are rarely enforced, and residents are seldom prosecuted for violating them. Many porn websites are blocked in Singapore, but using a VPN service can help you bypass these blocks and stay anonymous on the internet. If you accidentally stumble upon a porn website, you won’t be arrested, but it’s illegal to try and download its content. Therefore, it’s advisable to use a VPN provider if you want to stream or download porn in Singapore.
Are Torrents Legal in Singapore?
In Singapore, it is illegal to infringe on copyrighted material. The law passed in 2014 requires copyright holders to send a takedown notice to their Internet Service Provider to disable access to said material. However, compliance on the part of ISPs was not mandatory, so the law was rarely enforced.
Copyright trolls have also made their mark in Singapore. In 2015, at least three internet users received legal notices asking them to pay $5,000 for illegally downloading a movie. The case was later settled out of court but serves as a warning for those who break the rules.
If you want to engage in torrents, it is recommended to use a VPN to hide the contents of your download traffic from your ISP. However, it is important to note that downloading copyrighted material is illegal and can result in legal consequences.
Related: Consider using one of the best VPNs for torrenting and P2P filesharing to protect your privacy while engaging in torrents.
How to Blog Anonymously in Singapore
If you’re a blogger in Singapore, you may be concerned about the government’s strict laws on online expression. To blog anonymously, you need to take certain precautions to protect your identity.
Here are some tips to help you blog safely and anonymously in Singapore:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. This will help you stay anonymous and protect your online privacy.
- Use a pseudonym or a pen name instead of your real name. This will help you avoid being tracked by the government or other authorities.
- Use a secure email service that encrypts your messages. This will help you keep your communications private and secure.
- Avoid using social media platforms that require you to use your real name. Instead, use platforms that allow you to create anonymous accounts.
- Use Tor or other anonymous browsing tools to hide your online activity from prying eyes.
Remember, blogging anonymously is not foolproof and there is always a risk of being discovered. However, by taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of being identified and protect your online identity.
Are VPNs legal in Singapore?
Yes, you are allowed to use VPNs in Singapore despite the government’s strict online censorship laws. This means that you can use anonymity tools such as VPNs to express your opinions online without fear of prosecution. It is recommended that you use VPNs, especially if you are a journalist or activist, to avoid any potential repercussions for expressing your views online.
How to Access Voot in Singapore?
To access Voot in Singapore, you need to connect to an Indian VPN server. This will allow you to bypass the region lock and access Voot from anywhere. Once you have connected to an Indian VPN server, you can create a free account on Voot to access much of the platform’s content. However, to sign up for Voot Premium, you will need an Indian payment method.
How to Access QQ Music from Singapore
To access QQ Music from Singapore, you need to connect to a VPN server in China or Hong Kong. This will allow you to unblock QQ Music and listen to your favorite songs. However, if you are using the mobile app, you may also need to spoof your GPS location. There are many apps available that can help you with this. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy QQ Music from Singapore without any restrictions.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Connect to a VPN server in China or Hong Kong.
- Spoof your GPS location if using the mobile app.
- Enjoy QQ Music from Singapore without any restrictions.
What Makes VPNs Different from Proxies?
When it comes to hiding your IP address and accessing geo-restricted content, both VPNs and proxies can get the job done. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Firstly, proxies only protect your browser, while VPNs secure all of your online traffic with AES encryption. This means that VPNs are more effective at protecting you from hackers and snoopers.
In summary, if you’re looking for the best online security and privacy, a VPN is the better option compared to a proxy.
Where to Find the NordVPN Singapore Server List
To access the NordVPN Singapore server list, you must first sign up with NordVPN and download the app. Once you have the app, you can find the server list by country. Scroll down to “Singapore” and click on the three dots to see the full server list. The list includes server names and server load information. With dozens of servers in Singapore, NordVPN is among the best VPNs for obtaining a Singapore IP address.
How to Obtain a Singapore IP Address
Getting a Singapore IP address is a simple process with the help of a user-friendly VPN. Follow these quick steps to obtain a Singapore IP address:
- Sign up with a VPN that offers servers in Singapore.
- Download and install the appropriate VPN app for your device.
- Sign in to the VPN app and connect to a server in Singapore.
- Once connected, you will be assigned a Singapore IP address.
By following these steps, you can easily access content that is geo-restricted to Singapore.
Will Your ISP Detect Your Singapore VPN Usage?
Yes, your ISP will be able to detect that you are using a VPN, as it will see that your data is encrypted and traveling to a remote server. However, your ISP won’t be able to see your browsing history or any other specific details about your online activities. Therefore, using a Singapore VPN is a reliable way to protect your privacy from your ISP and potentially your government, especially if your country’s ISPs are required to share data.
Will a VPN protect you from Singapore’s privacy laws?
Using a VPN can be an effective way to protect your privacy in Singapore. By encrypting your data, VPNs make it difficult for anyone to access your information, even if it is intercepted. The best VPNs for Singapore also do not keep any logs that could identify you as a user. This means that even if the government requests user data from the VPN, there should be nothing of consequence to provide. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN does not guarantee complete protection from Singapore’s privacy laws.
How to Confirm Your Location Change to Singapore
To confirm that your location has been changed to Singapore after connecting to a VPN server, you have several options.
- Check the location and IP address displayed within the VPN app. This will confirm that you are connected to a server in Singapore.
- Use an IP address check tool such as whatismyip.com to verify your current IP address and approximate location. If the location displayed is Singapore, then you have successfully changed your location.
By using these methods, you can be confident that your location has been changed to Singapore and your online activity is now being routed through a server in that location.
Can You Use Your Gaming Console with a VPN from Singapore?
Yes, you can use a VPN service to connect your gaming console to Singapore. By using a reliable VPN service, you can improve your internet speed while gaming and reduce lag and ping times. Singapore is known for having one of the most robust cyber security frameworks in Asia, which means that when you connect to a Singapore-based VPN service provider, you will get extra layers of defense against malicious websites that could compromise your system or steal valuable data from games played online.
This makes Singapore an ideal location for people looking to improve their latency when playing online games, no matter the genre. Whether you’re playing FPS shooters like Apex Legends, battle royales like Call of Duty Warzone, or other games that require low latency, connecting to a Singapore-based VPN can help you achieve better performance.
Do ISPs throttle bandwidth in Singapore?
ISPs in Singapore have been known to intentionally slow down internet service, a practice known as bandwidth throttling. If you are experiencing slow internet speeds, low-resolution online videos, laggy online gaming, or slow-loading sites, you might be a victim of bandwidth throttling in Singapore, even though it is illegal.
Fortunately, you can bypass ISP throttling in Singapore easily by using a VPN. A VPN is an excellent tool that can prevent ISP throttling and keep your internet connection fast, safe, and reliable.
Does the Singapore Government Monitor the Internet?
Yes, the Singapore government monitors the internet through the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). All Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to follow the Internet Code of Practice. The government has increased its control over online content, causing concerns about internet freedom. Advanced technology such as tracking apps have been used to monitor citizens, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn how to watch Singapore TV abroad, get a Singapore IP address or find the best VPNs for Asia, refer to the following resources:
- How to watch Singapore TV abroad
- How to get a Singapore IP Address
- Best VPNs for Asia
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated VPN services in Singapore for speed and reliability?
When it comes to speed and reliability, some of the top-rated VPN services in Singapore include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPN providers have servers in Singapore and offer fast and stable connections, making them ideal for streaming, browsing, and other online activities.
Which VPN providers offer the best free plans with Singaporean servers?
While many VPN providers offer free plans, not all of them have servers in Singapore. However, some VPN providers that offer free plans with Singaporean servers include Windscribe, ProtonVPN, and TunnelBear. Keep in mind that free plans usually have limitations such as data caps and slower speeds.
How does using a VPN affect internet speeds and stability in Singapore?
Using a VPN can affect internet speeds and stability in Singapore, as it adds an extra layer of encryption and reroutes your internet traffic through a VPN server. This can result in slightly slower speeds and occasional connection drops. However, with a reputable VPN provider and a stable internet connection, the impact on speed and stability should be minimal.
Is it legal to use a VPN service in Singapore for streaming and browsing?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN service in Singapore for streaming and browsing. However, using a VPN for illegal activities such as accessing copyrighted content or engaging in cybercrime is not legal and can result in legal consequences.
What features should I look for in a VPN for secure iPhone usage in Singapore?
When looking for a VPN for secure iPhone usage in Singapore, some important features to consider include strong encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and support for iOS devices. Additionally, you may want to look for a VPN provider with servers in Singapore for faster speeds and better performance.
Which VPNs are highly recommended by users on Reddit for use in Singapore?
According to user recommendations on Reddit, some of the VPNs highly recommended for use in Singapore include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA). These VPN providers offer fast speeds, strong encryption, and reliable connections, making them popular choices among users in Singapore.
