Whether you are traveling to or living in Malaysia, a VPN is a necessity to stay safe online. We ran extensive testing of VPNs for speed, streaming capabilities and privacy to curate this list of the best VPNs for Malaysia. 

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all the traffic flowing to and from your device, making it impossible for hackers or government authorities to determine your true location. Your data is tunneled via an intermediary server, keeping it safe and secure.

Malaysia’s cyber landscape has worsened in the past couple of years, with authorities clamping down on dissent by silencing the press and blocking websites that discuss corruption scandals. There have also been cases of bloggers and social media users being arrested for expressing their views online. We recommend a VPN to safeguard your privacy when accessing the internet in Malaysia. 

If you don’t have the time to read all the details in this article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Malaysia:

  • NordVPN Our #1 pick for a Malaysia VPN. A veteran provider that doesn’t compromise on privacy, security, or speed and has thousands of servers in its global network. NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark The best budget VPN for Malaysia. A strong all-rounder with servers in 100 countries. Great security credentials and unblocking ability.
  • ExpressVPN A blazingly fast and reliable service, this provider has servers located in over 90 countries, including Malaysia, which is great for unblocking geo-restricted sites. Privacy and security are high-grade.
  • CyberGhost A beginner-friendly provider with fast streaming servers in Malaysia. Easy to install and get going.
  • IPVanish Favored for its user-friendly apps and impressive streaming speeds.
  • VyprVPN Gained in popularity due to its unblocking capabilities and good streaming speeds. Not the cheapest option here.

The best VPNs for Malaysia – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Malaysia.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for Malaysia

A VPN is also an excellent choice for expatriates living in Malaysia wishing to access content like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Sky Sports, or BeIN sports. Malaysian residents traveling abroad can also use a VPN to access channels like Astro.

Our list of the best VPNs for Malaysia is based on the following factors:

  • Speed and stability of service
  • Large network of servers across the world for expatriates to unblock content
  • Strong encryption parameters to minimize the chances of data loss
  • Ease of use

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works In MalaysiaTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has been in the VPN business for over a decade and is a popular choice with privacy advocates, thanks to consistent service.

It continues with the baton of a zero-logs policy as it holds no data about user sessions, traffic, or timestamps of any nature. This policy has thwarted attempts by government agencies to sniff out its user data. So if it’s privacy you’re looking for, NordVPN has you covered.

The company operates 5,300+ servers in over 58 countries, making it a perfect choice for protecting your web activity. Several of these are located in Malaysia, so residents traveling abroad can use the service to watch content from back home if they’d like.

NordVPN is one of the few services that separates its servers according to specialty. It has some specifically for double VPN, Tor over VPN, and dedicated IP – this means that fast speeds and strong encryption are guaranteed.

The provider works with many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It also supports torrenting.

NordVPN encrypts internet traffic via the 256-bit AES protocol by default and uses 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is also enabled. These are some of the strongest protocols out there, meaning you don’t need to worry about any data leaks.

There’s support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR MALAYSIA:NordVPN is is top pick. With an extensive range of servers, including a few in Malaysia, this is a good all-rounder option that works with Netflix and most other streaming services. There are great privacy and security features like double VPN and Tor over VPN servers. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Large network with several Malaysian servers
  • Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
  • Can connect 6 devices at once with the basic package
  • Top-tier encryption standards with DNS leak protection
  • Far faster than most of its rivals

Cons:

  • Can only choose to connect to a location, not a server

Our score:

Here’s our in-depth review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works in MalaysiaTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries, including Malaysia. It boasts strong streaming ability and has no problem securely accessing services like TV1, Netflix US, or Hulu from abroad. However, the thing that really sets this VPN apart is that it doesn’t restrict the number of connected devices you can have. As such, you’re free to secure every device you own with just one account.

This service puts major emphasis on your security. It keeps your activities hidden from snoopers using a kill switch, protection against DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. You can also block ads and malware automatically or turn on NoBorders mode to bypass country-wide internet censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and you can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. 24/7 customer support is on-hand over live chat in case of any problems.

Surfshark apps are available for macOS, Android, Windows, iOS, and Linux systems. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on your wireless router.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments

  • Decent speeds

  • Great unblocking potential

  • Strong focus on security

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Has the occasional slow server

  • Fewer servers than some others in this list

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark might be a security-first VPN but it remains affordable and can unblock a wide range of streaming services from abroad. With no connection limit, you can protect all of your devices at once. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers a sturdy combination of effectively uncrackable encryption coupled with reliable speeds and efficient connections. The design is clean and minimalist, and the service works without any fuss.

ExpressVPN offers possible connections to over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, including some in Malaysia. It’s an ideal choice for foreign expatriates living in the country and residents trying to unlock local content.

The company has a stated policy of not storing any traffic logs whatsoever. However, there is some metadata retention – specifically the date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used.

It’s important to note that your IP address won’t be logged, so there’s no way of your web activity being traced back to you. At the same time, it’s possible to sign up via a burner email account and pay with Bitcoin to maintain anonymity.

Encryption protocols are similarly robust – the service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC, utilizing both HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch temporarily halts all web traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly.

ExpressVPN works effortlessly with Netflix. It’s also compatible with Hulu and BBC iPlayer, and it supports torrents.

There are apps for Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows, Linux,  and macOS.

STREAM SECURELY ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a great choice. It has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. It is hard to beat on privacy and security, and it unblocks streaming sites that other VPNs struggle with. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee too.

  • High speeds for downloading and video streaming

  • Top-class security and privacy protection features

  • Real streaming ability

  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux

  • Doesn’t come cheap, use a coupon for discounts

  • Doesn’t offer many customizable features

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a recommended choice for beginners looking for a fast, reliable connection with a simple interface and a wide selection of servers.

There are over 9,000 servers spread across 90 countries, including roughly 40 servers in Malaysia. The company also operates a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Android and iOS, and there is desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

CyberGhost uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication. That means it passes the test of stringent encryption. There’s an internet kill switch included, which means web traffic will stop if the connection drops.

PERFORMANCE & VALUE:CyberGhost has a simple set up as well as great privacy and security. It is reliable in Malaysia and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates a network of more than 9,000 servers in 90 countries, including nearly 40 in Malaysia

  • Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested

  • Easy to use, select activity type and be connected to the most appropriate server

  • Solid privacy features including kill-switch

  • Doesn’t work in China

  • May be less suitable for power users

Here’s our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish checks all the boxes for a fast VPN that’s also mindful of maintaining user privacy and anonymity.

The only time it stores any details is when an account is created for the first time. After that, your activity is hidden – this includes things like session history and choice of servers.

IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the WireGuard protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048 key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. This means that hackers can’t decrypt past data to glean your internet history, even if your account is compromised.

There’s an internet kill switch included, which means the company will temporarily block all traffic to and from your device if the connection drops. The VPN servers are optimized for speed and stability, and there are over 1,900 of them spread across 75 locations worldwide, including six in Malaysia. That means a suitable connection isn’t far from reach.

IPVanish doesn’t escape the Netflix ban on VPNs and is similarly incompatible with Hulu. However, it is a worthy choice for BBC iPlayer and permits torrenting on all servers. There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.

Many users find the service to work particularly well with Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Great for families. It works well in Malaysia but look elsewhere if you want to unblock Netflix. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates 2 fast servers in Kuala Lumpur

  • Unblocks most blocked sites and services in Sri Lanka

  • Keep no logs on user activities and have solid security settings

  • Standout favorite for Fire TV Stick and Kodi users

  • No live customer support, email and ticket support only

  • Apps don’t work in China

Read our review of IPVanish.

6. VyprVPN

Works In MalaysiaTested Jan 2023

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN is also a relative veteran in the VPN space, having been in existence since 2009. It’s operated by Golden Frog, the same company behind Usenet, a well-established name in the world of internet privacy. It’s great for torrenting as it ensures fast speeds and sturdy encryption.

Some users might find its logging policy to be a little troubling. VyprVPN says it stores “the user’s source IP address, the VyprVPN IP address used by the user, the connection start and stop time and the total number of bytes used.”But the data is only retained for 30 days and is used to improve the service. 

It’s unlikely that your private data will ever be exposed. VyprVPN is one of the toughest services out there when it comes to encryption parameters – after all, it’s able to unblock China’s Great Firewall with ease. Furthermore, VyprVPN owns and manages entire data centers – as opposed to other services that choose to rent or outsource to third-party operators. There is DDoS protection and many other premium security features.

There are over 700 servers, including some in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop support for Windows and macOS.

UNLIMITED DATA USAGE:VyprVPN is user friendly with good speeds and uptime. Great privacy and security. It Unblocks popular streaming channels but is not the cheapest option. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates servers in Malaysia

  • Streaming speeds were above average in our testing

  • Can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously

  • Lacking options for advanced configuration

  • Slightly slower than rivals

  • Not the cheapest option here

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

Methodology: How we find Malaysian VPNs

Getting a VPN subscription can cause a headache because there are many competing services to pick from. Not all VPNs are reliable, and many lie about the level of service they provide. This makes it easy to end up with an inferior service.

At Comparitech, we use a precise VPN testing methodology to test dozens of market leading VPNs. These tests allow us to confidently recommend VPNs for Malaysia that have all the privacy and security features you need. Below, we have included a list of features we looked for while curating this list of recommendations.

How to use a VPN in Malaysia

This article demonstrates the best options for a Malaysian VPN, all that’s left for you to do is decide your favorite and get started. Don’t worry, even if you’ve never used a VPN before, getting set up is easy.

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Malaysia:

  • Choose your favorite VPN provider from our list of recommendations. NordVPN is our top choice.
  • Register an account and add your payment information.
  • Download the relevant apps for each of your devices.
  • Open the VPN app and log in using your registration information, usually an email address and password.
  • Select a server in your preferred location, for example, you would need a server in the US to access American Netflix. For privacy any server will work but the closer a server is the better speeds you will have.
  • That’s it! A successful connection notification will appear, and now your browsing is completely safe and secure.

Free VPNs usually monetize by bombarding you with invasive advertisements, inserting tracking cookies and selling your data, or by unwittingly turning your computer into a massive botnet army. The threat of a malware infection is also real, which can lead to widespread data loss.

Some of the VPNs listed in the article offer free trials, and they all offer a money-back guarantee, which you can use in case you’re unsure about whether you need the service at all. But don’t settle for a random free one. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

VPNs are quite common in Malaysia, particularly for security-conscious businesses that tend to supply one to all employees.

Using a VPN will hide your actual location from Malaysian ISPs. To access such content, all you have to do is register for one of the VPNs in this list, log on, select a server outside of Malaysia – preferably in the US or Europe where there are no existing restrictions in place – and browse normally.

Because of these facts, Malaysia’s internet has been ranked as “partly free” by the advocacy body Freedom House. That’s despite the fact that over 84% of the Malaysian population are internet users. The same report adds that press freedoms are “not free”, highlighting the muzzling of bloggers and journalists as the reason behind this status. These numbers are backed by our findings in our annual internet censorship report.

Back in 2016, the Malaysian government reneged on pledges never to censor the web and proceeded to block several websites that had reported on Prime Minister Najib Razzak’s corruption scandals. Online news site The Malaysian Insider went out of business as a direct consequence of this decision.

Efforts by Malaysian authorities to expand internet access throughout the country have certainly borne fruit, with a focus on affordable smartphones in rural areas. But this has also led to greater political awareness and criticism of public officials – developments that the Malaysian government is extremely wary of.

At the same time, authorities are vying for even more sweeping powers of censorship. There are plans to strengthen both the Official Secret Act and the Communication & Multimedia Act, which would place more control over news sites, ISPs, and ordinary users. There could likely be more surveillance of the web in the future.

The good news is that while Malaysian servers aren’t as in-demand as those in the US or Europe, plenty of VPN providers still offer them. These include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, all of which come with a risk-free money-back guarantee.

 

A Malaysian IP address allows you to unblock specific websites or streaming content otherwise unavailable to you. A VPN is the quickest and easiest way to get an IP address for Malaysia, with the whole process taking just a few minutes.

Using a VPN won’t only provide you with a Malaysian IP address; it will also ensure that your connection is protected as you browse. This means unlocking a world of new content with no risk to your personal or financial information.

Alternatively, you may want to enjoy specific Disney Plus movies or shows that are only available in Malaysia, and a VPN works for this too. You will need a VPN with reliable servers designed for streaming if you want to watch Malaysian TV abroad, so always consider speed and connection strength before making your choice.

To use a VPN with TikTok in Malaysia, all you need to do is subscribe to a VN from this guide. Following that, install the VPN onto your device and connect to a server to establish a secure tunnel. Once the VPN connection is established, download and launch TikTok to use it securely.

A VPN for Malaysia must also have servers located locally. This will allow you to get fast speeds and to use local Malaysian services without being monitored by your ISP. Unfortunately, few VPNs have servers in Malaysia, which is why it is better to stick to our recommendations.

Below, we have included a list of VPNs that are known to be insecure and unreliable. These VPNs should be avoided because they have all been found to suffer from vulnerabilities, leaks, or to have concerning privacy policies.

  • ExpatSurfer
  • Earth VPN
  • Betternet VPN
  • Onavo Protect
  • Cryptostorm VPN
  • Faceless.me
  • Liberty VPN
  • Hola
  • VPN Secure
  • Zenmate