Medina is considered the second holiest city for Muslims and is famous for the Prophet’s Mosque. Millions of tourists visit Medina on their spiritual trip to Mecca every year.
Compared with Mecca, there is some relaxation for tourists in visiting and exploring the city. However, non-Muslims are not allowed near “Al-Masjid an-Nabawi” (a.k.a Prophet’s Mosque).
Even though there is some relaxation with the restrictions, the internet censorship in Medina is strict to this date. If any visitor or citizen violates the government-set censorship rules, there is a high possibility of receiving fines or jail sentences.
The region bans most VoIP apps, and the available options are constantly monitored and throttled. Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, and Facebook call services are restricted in the region.
For Business purposes, we had to unlock the geographically locked content and choose VPN for this purpose. Like Mecca, most VPNs had difficulty functioning well in Medina, resulting in severe server instabilities rendering them useless.
To find a solution for this issue, my team and I have taken up a mission to find the best VPN for Medina. For this, we have done a lot of research and testing to finalize the best ones that perform flawlessly in Medina.
VPN for Medina
ExpressVPN
| Servers | 3000+ servers in 160 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 5 devices |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES encryption |
| Supported Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc. |
While looking for the best VPN for Medina, we considered our reader’s suggestion about checking out the most prominent ExpressVPN and gave it a shot. After testing it thoroughly, we noticed that it performed outstandingly well in Medina.
On reaching Medina, we connected our devices to the standard Wi-Fi networks and experienced severe restrictions on opening some common websites. The main reason behind these restrictions is that ISP sets regulations based on the government’s internet censorship policy.
To verify ExpressVPN’s potential, we ran the speed test after connecting our devices to the VPN. On comparing the results, before and after connecting to the ExpressVPN servers, we observed that the network speed drop is below 4%.
With these stable servers, we unlocked some of the restricted websites and could access the filtered OTT content by the government. In addition, we could watch high-resolution content and download any type of file without restrictions.
The most significant help for us while using ExpressVPN is the Smart Location feature. This feature helped us connect to the best server automatically, and in case of any network disturbances, this feature changed to the closest stable server.
We performed the DNS Leak test to check our anonymity, and the result displayed no leaks. With this, we could surf the web confidently without worrying about government monitoring.
To provide security to the user, ExpressVPN comes with AES-256 encryption together with the latest security protocols. From these security protocols, we have tried and tested each one to realize that the Lightway VPN protocol consumes less battery and provides impressive network speeds.
We suggest everyone enable the Threat Manager feature of ExpressVPN as it protects us from the dangers of the web in real time. The main aim of this feature is to block the ads and stop ad trackers and malware from making the user victim.
ExpressVPN’s no-log policy keeps user monitoring to a minimum, and the browsing activity is kept private. We had no issues using ExpressVPN on our devices, but we are not happy with the five-device simultaneous connection limit.
The other downside is the expensive plans; one has to purchase long-term plans to afford them. However, customer support and overall performance are a big thumbs up.
NordVPN
| Servers | 5400+ servers in 60 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 6 devices |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES encryption |
| Supported Protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc. |
Similar to the other cities of Saudi Arabia, Medina is one of the highest citizen-monitored cities with stringent internet censorship resulting in banning and filtering internet content.
Usually, a compilation about VPNs wouldn’t be complete without talking about NordVPN, as it is prominent and loaded with updated features. So we put NordVPN to the test, and the results are promising.
The standard Wi-Fi networks in Medina are secure and fast. However, all the ISPs follow the regulations of Saudi’s internet censorship policies. Internet content is highly filtered, and many websites are banned. Apart from this, the user’s activity is constantly monitored, resulting in a lack of privacy.
During our speed test, we noticed that NordVPN performed head-on-head with ExpressVPN with only a 3-4% network drop. The speed drop was minimal, and we were never bothered with buffering while streaming hi-res content. Also, the downloads were just as quick as the standard Wi-Fi networks.
NordVPN has done a great job providing access to blocked websites and filtered OTT platforms. However, there was no access to the websites strictly restricted by government agencies.
We were happy with the NordVPN servers as they are stable and fast. One of the best features associated with the servers is the Auto-connect support. As the name suggests, this feature provides support with auto connection to stable and closest servers during start-up and network instability.
Using NordVPN, we were always anonymous using the dedicated IP and IP Masking features. To confirm our anonymity, we ran a DNS Leak test, and there were no leaks.
NordVPN secures the user using the 256-bit AES encryption, and there are three different security protocols to choose from. On comparing and testing the offered VPN security protocols, we decided to go with the less-battery and high-performance NordLynx, built on WireGuard VPN protocol.
One of the most reliable features of NordVPN is the Threat protection feature, as it helps us from being vulnerable to ad trackers and malware. All the website ads are blocked, and users are restricted from interacting with them.
The no-log policy of NordVPN is reliable as the logs are not gathered anymore, and user consent is requested when any file is gathered for analysis. In addition, NordVPN promises FVEY monitoring prevention to all its users.
There are no issues with setting up and using NordVPN on different devices, but we wished for more coverage under one plan. The price of NordVPN plans isn’t the highest on the table, but not the cheapest out there, either.
We wished for a better home interface on Android and iOS. However, there are no complaints with customer support as they are exceptional and reliable.
Surfshark VPN
| Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited device connections |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES encryption |
| Supported Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc. |
While searching for the best VPN for Medina, we have seen two types of VPNs. One-half of VPNs are expensive and loaded with features, and the other half are affordable but with limited features. Considering this, we have started looking for an affordable VPN with decent features, and Surfshark VPN checked the boxes for us.
In Medina, all the standard Wi-Fi networks available are secure and fast. However, the ISPs follow the internet censorship policy set by Saudi Arabia. As a result, most of the content available on the internet is either banned or filtered.
While setting up and using Surfshark VPN for the first time, we compared it with the standard Wi-Fi network to check the network speed drop. Unlike prominent VPNs, the overall network drop was significant, around 6-8%.
Even with that significant drop, we could enjoy streaming hi-res content and downloading content without noticeable buffering or delay. If Surfshark VPN removes filters on some OTT platforms, lightly restricted websites can now be accessed.
The IP Masking and Dedicated IP features of the Surfshark VPN have come in handy for us, as we were anonymous, and there were no leaks while performing the DNS Leak test.
We were not concerned about security on the web, as Surfshark VPN uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption. In addition, the user is provided with multiple security protocols to choose from, and among them, the WireGuard protocol is the best.
For a new user, we recommend enabling the CleanWeb 2.0 feature. As the name suggests, it takes care of the user by blocking ads and keeps the ad trackers and malware away, resulting in a clean web experience.
One shouldn’t worry about the features, as they come with all the important features for safe web surfing. We are delighted with the pricing, unlimited simultaneous connection support, customer support, and multi-platform compatibility.
However, it can be improved by enhancing the server stability since the network drop is significant and unstable sometimes.
Private Internet Access
| Servers | 18000+ servers in 84 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Ten device connections |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES encryption |
| Supported Protocols | OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2, and WireGuard |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc. |
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been in the VPN industry for a long time and is usually recommended by many considering its features. Alongside these, the extensive servers are one of the main reasons behind many people considering PIA.
Considering the most significant issue of VPNs being throttled in Saudi, we started looking for a VPN that functions well in PIA. To check if it is compatible with Medina, we paired it with the standard Wi-Fi network and ran the speed test.
On analyzing the results, we have noticed a 7-9% drop, which is significant compared to the VPNs in its segment. Even though it sounds massive, the high-res streaming and downloading large files was never an issue.
PIA successfully unlocks restricted and filtered content on the web, including OTT platforms and websites. However, PIA also failed to unlock the content, which is heavily restricted.
We were not worried about our anonymity online as the IP Masking and dedicated IP features of PIA worked as advertised. We have concluded this after running the DNS Leak test, and there are no noticeable leaks.
Even though PIA has been in the VPN market for a long time, it always provides the user with the latest security protocols and encryption techniques. Today, PIA offers users with AES-256-GCM encryption technique along with different varieties of security protocols to choose from.
On using every protocol, we are happy with the WireGuard VPN protocol, and it is exceptionally reliable, considering minimal battery utilization and impressive network speeds.
The PIA’s MACE feature is the most underrated feature, and we would recommend using this feature while surfing the web. The primary purpose of this feature is to keep the user from interacting with ads by blocking them. In addition, ad trackers and malware are carefully looked for and are kept away from the user.
We were happy with PIA’s no-log policy, and the wide support for ten devices and multi-platform compatibility is a win. In addition, we felt customer support was reliable, considering they are very responsive and helpful.
We are extremely satisfied with the minimal and seamless service that the PIA provides. But the overly priced monthly plan forces us to purchase a yearly plan to use it.
CyberGhost VPN
| Servers | 9700+ servers in 91 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 7 devices simultaneously |
| Encryption | Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption |
| Supported Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, (L2TP) / IPSec, and WireGuard. |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, etc. |
We have considered CyberGhost VPN in the compilation of the best VPNs for Medina as it is affordable. It is for people looking for a decent VPN that can work well in Medina and is affordable.
The speed test is the first thing we have done after setting up CyberGhost VPN and pairing it with a standard Wi-Fi network on devices. The speed test results clearly stated a 7-9% network drop. However, we never had any issues with streaming or downloading content.
CyberGhost VPN did a great job unlocking geographically locked content, but the heavily restricted content turned out impossible to unlock. While using the CyberGhost VPN, we were anonymous, and to verify our anonymity, we ran a DNS Leak test; there were no leaks, concluding that we were anonymous.
CyberGhost VPN uses the latest encryption and security protocols all the time. Currently, the military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and WireGuard security protocol of CyberGhost VPN provide the best security and speeds while consuming less battery.
Even though CyberGhost VPN is affordable, it comes with the Wi-Fi protection feature seen in a few prominent VPNs. In addition, it protects the user from ad trackers and malware in real-time and blocks all ads. However, these features are enabled by default and cannot be manually disabled.
We are extremely happy with the CyberGhost VPN’s plans and affordable pricing. Alongside this, the reliable customer support, simultaneous device connectivity of up to seven devices, and multi-platform compatibility is a big yes.
There are a few drawbacks, such as a lack of customizations and server instabilities, but considering the price tag, it isn’t a dealbreaker.
Best VPN for Medina Compared
| VPN Service | Cost | Speed | Encryption Type | Data Logging | Free Trial | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67 per month | Super Fast | 256-bit AES | No | No | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $4.19 per month | Very Fast | 256-bit AES | No | No | 30 days |
| Surfshark VPN | $2.49 per month | Very Fast | 256-bit AES | No | Seven days | 30 days |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | $3.02 per month | Very Fast | 256-bit AES | No | No | 30 days |
| CyberGhost VPN | $2.29 per month | Super Fast | 256-bit AES | No | 24-hour free trial | 45 days |
How to Choose the Best VPN for Medina
We would suggest our readers consider a lot of factors behind purchasing a VPN, but as we are looking for a VPN to function well in Medina, here are the key points to look for;
Medina-Compatible: As per our observation, most VPNs are severally restricted and throttled by the Saudi government. Hence look for VPNs that are compatible with Medina.
Unlocking Geographical content: The citizens of Medina use VPN to unlock the geographically locked content. Hence look for VPNs that can geographically unlock the Medina government-restricted content.
Network Speeds: Network speeds play a vital role while using VPN, as streaming and downloading depend on it. We suggest you consider a VPN with a network speed drop below 10%.
Anonymity: Another reason why Medina citizens use VPNs is to reduce government monitoring. To achieve some level of anonymity, consider VPNs that provide IP masking and dedicated IP support.
Security: Security might not be the biggest concern in areas such as Medina, as the ISP ensures the internet with some level of security. However, consider a VPN that provides good security so it can be used anywhere in the world.
FAQs on the Best VPN for Medina
Why VPNs Used in Medina?
VPNs are used in Medina to unlock geographically locked content and reduce government monitoring. Alongside this, tourists can use VPNs to use VoIP apps for regular and business purposes.
Suggest a Great Alternative to VPN?
We suggest that readers use the TOR browser if looking for a VPN alternative. The TOR browser provides anonymity and security online, where data is transmitted through relays.
Are free VPNs good?
Free VPNs are always good when used for primary purposes. However, cities such as Medina block VPNs and their services. In such cases, prefer paid and prominent VPNs as they are consistent and stable.
Conclusion
VPNs are the best way to access geographically locked content and reduce monitoring by being anonymous and secure. There are other ways to achieve the same, but they are unreliable and require a learning curve.
As we are using VPNs in a city such as Medina, VPNs provide the user with flexibility for the citizens and tourists to access restricted content and limit monitoring; hence privacy is enhanced.
Even though VPNs are allowed in Medina, citizens or tourists who misuse them by violating the Saudi Arabian internet censorship policy are charged heavy fines and jail sentences; hence, they are used responsibly.
