The 5 Best Singapore VPNs for Privacy & Unrestricted Access in 2024

Singapore is known for having some of the strictest internet regulations and surveillance in the world. The government actively blocks access to certain websites and requires removal of content deemed objectionable. Your internet service provider also keeps logs of your online activities. This restricted and monitored environment makes using a virtual private network (VPN) crucial for maintaining your digital privacy and accessing the free and open internet in Singapore.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding your real IP address and location. This prevents your ISP, government agencies, hackers, and other third parties from seeing what you do online. It also allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship to access content that‘s normally blocked in Singapore.

However, with so many VPN services available, it can be tricky to choose the right one. Based on our in-depth testing and analysis, these are the top 5 VPNs for Singapore in 2024:

1. ExpressVPN – Best overall Singapore VPN

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for users in Singapore due to its exceptional all-around performance. Key benefits include:

Vast network of 3,000+ high-speed servers in 94 countries, including Singapore
Superfast connection speeds for smooth streaming, gaming, torrenting and browsing
Unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more
Best-in-class encryption, leak protection, and security features
Verified no-logs policy to ensure none of your data is stored
Easy-to-use apps for all major device platforms
30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN consistently bypasses geo-blocks and VPN detection measures employed by streaming platforms, making it one of the most reliable VPNs for accessing content worldwide. It‘s perfect for expats, travelers, or anyone who wants to watch their favorite shows while abroad.

With multiple server locations within Singapore, you can also use ExpressVPN to get a Singapore IP address. This allows you to access your online banking, brokerage account, or local Singapore services when traveling outside the country.

While ExpressVPN costs slightly more than some competitors, its premium performance and features justify the price for many users. You can try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN – Strongest security and privacy

If your top priorities are privacy and security, NordVPN is an excellent choice. Highlights include:

Advanced encryption protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec
Double-hop VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption
Onion over VPN for maximum anonymity
CyberSec feature to block malware, trackers and intrusive ads
Strict no-logs policy and diskless RAM-only servers
Large network of 5,500+ fast servers in 60 countries including Singapore
Unlocks major streaming sites and allows P2P file sharing
Affordable pricing with a 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN goes above and beyond with advanced security features like double-hop servers that route your traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption. Its CyberSec feature also protects your device from malware and phishing scams while blocking annoying ads and trackers.

Despite its strong focus on security, NordVPN doesn‘t compromise on speed or performance. It delivers fast, stable connections across its network and is capable of streaming HD video with ease. It also seamlessly bypasses geo-restrictions on in-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.

3. Surfshark – Best value VPN for multiple devices

Surfshark stands out for offering premium VPN features at a very affordable price, especially if you have many devices to protect. Key advantages:

Connect unlimited devices with a single subscription
Budget-friendly pricing with steep discounts on long-term plans
3,200+ high-speed servers in 65 countries, including Singapore
CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers and malware threats
Whitelister split-tunneling tool to selectively route apps and websites
MultiHop servers for double encryption
Camouflage Mode masks VPN traffic to look like regular traffic
Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
30-day money-back guarantee

With support for unlimited simultaneous device connections, Surfshark is perfect for large households, small offices, or anyone with many gadgets. It‘s one of the only premium VPNs with no connection limit.

Surfshark also packs in many advanced features like CleanWeb ad blocking, split-tunneling, and double-hop encryption. Its stealthy Camouflage Mode is designed to evade VPN detection and blocking in restrictive countries.

While not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, Surfshark provides great performance for streaming, torrenting and general web browsing. It reliably works with Netflix and other streaming services. With its low cost and feature-rich apps, Surfshark offers unbeatable value.

4. Private Internet Access – Proven no-logs policy at a low price

Private Internet Access, or PIA, is a solid budget VPN with a proven track record of protecting user privacy. Notable features:

Extremely low prices, especially on annual plans
Massive network of 29,000+ servers in 77 countries
No traffic logs, backed up in multiple real-world court cases
MACE blocks domains used for ads, trackers and malware
Unlimited bandwidth and 10 simultaneous connections
WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
Reliable access to streaming services and P2P support
30-day refund policy

PIA has been around since 2010 and its strict no-logging policy has been verified in several high profile court cases. It‘s one of the only VPNs with a proven track record of not keeping logs or surrendering user information.

The service also stands out for its huge network of servers, spanning 77 countries including Singapore. While it doesn‘t quite match the speeds of ExpressVPN or NordVPN, PIA is fast enough for streaming, gaming and downloading.

PIA‘s apps include the MACE feature which blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites at the DNS level. This improves web performance while protecting your privacy and security.

If you need a trustworthy, low-cost VPN with robust privacy credentials, PIA is a great option for Singapore. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

5. ProtonVPN – Strong focus on privacy and security

ProtonVPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail, the popular encrypted email service. It‘s geared towards privacy-conscious users who need maximum security. Key features include:

Advanced security features like Secure Core servers and perfect forward secrecy
Open source VPN apps for greater transparency
NetShield blocks ads, trackers and malware domains
VPN Accelerator delivers 400%+ speed increases in many cases
Supports P2P traffic and works with popular streaming services
Strict no-logs policy and accepts anonymous payment options
Free plan with unlimited data (but only 3 server locations)
Premium plans allow 10 simultaneous connections
30 day money-back guarantee on paid plans

ProtonVPN‘s Secure Core architecture protects against network-based attacks by routing your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden before dispatching it to your final destination. This makes it very difficult for even sophisticated attackers to track you.

ProtonVPN also excels in terms of transparency, with fully open source and audited apps. Its polished apps include useful features like split tunneling, custom DNS settings, and alternate routing.

While ProtonVPN‘s network is smaller compared to others on this list, its VPN Accelerator technology significantly boosts speed and performance on many connections. The service easily handles HD streaming and large file downloads.

ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and customization options than most rivals. Its free plan is also great for basic anonymous browsing, though you‘ll need a paid subscription to access servers in Singapore and unlock all features.

Are VPNs Legal in Singapore?

Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Singapore for personal and business use. There are no laws prohibiting or restricting the use of VPNs by individuals.

However, VPNs do not make illegal activities legal. Singapore has strict laws regarding pornography, copyright infringement, gambling, hate speech, "fake news", and criticism of the government. Engaging in any of these activities is illegal with or without a VPN.

Some examples of illegal online activities in Singapore include:

Accessing or distributing pornographic material
Downloading copyrighted content through torrenting
Online gambling
Posting racial or religious hate speech
Spreading "fake news" or misinformation
Criticizing the government, judiciary, or public institutions

Therefore, be sure to use your VPN for legal purposes only, such as protecting your privacy, securing your data, and accessing geo-blocked content and services. A VPN will hide your online activity from your ISP and other third parties, but you are still bound by Singapore‘s laws and regulations.

How to Choose the Best Singapore VPN

With dozens of consumer VPNs on the market, it‘s important to choose a service that meets your particular needs. Here are the key factors we looked at when selecting the best VPNs for Singapore:

Security: Strong encryption, leak protection and a kill switch are must-haves to keep your data safe. Additional features like RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy and double-hop connections provide even greater security.
Privacy: To protect your anonymity, only choose VPNs with verified no-logs policies. Look for services based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions outside of Singapore. Anonymous payment options and open-source apps are also beneficial.
Performance: You‘ll need a VPN that offers fast and reliable connections for streaming, video conferencing, gaming, and downloading. Look for services with large networks, nearby servers, and technologies to boost speed. Unlimited bandwidth and data are also important.
Unblocking: If you want to access streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Disney+, choose a VPN that can consistently bypass their geo-restrictions and VPN blocking measures. You‘ll also need servers in the required locations.
Ease of use: Make sure the VPN offers user-friendly apps for all your devices. The setup and connection process should be straightforward, with 24/7 customer support if you need help.
Price: While you generally get what you pay for with VPNs, you can find great deals by taking advantage of discounts on long-term plans. Look for extra features like unlimited connections to get the most value. And be sure the VPN offers a money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

All of the VPNs we‘ve recommended for Singapore tick these boxes, but the "best" one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We suggest taking advantage of the money-back guarantees to test out a couple of services and see which one performs best in your situation.

How to Use a VPN in Singapore

Using a VPN in Singapore is easy, even if you‘re not tech-savvy. Just follow these simple steps:

Subscribe to a VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark.
Download and install the VPN app on your device. Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.
Launch the app and log in using your account credentials.
Choose a VPN server location and click the Connect button. For maximum privacy, it‘s best to connect to a server outside of Singapore. But if you need a Singapore IP address, you can connect to a Singapore server.
Wait a few seconds for the connection to be established. Once connected, you can browse the web privately, stream geo-blocked content, and torrent safely.
If you run into any issues, contact your VPN‘s customer support. The best VPNs offer 24/7 live chat and email support.

That‘s it! As long as your VPN is connected, your internet traffic is encrypted and your real IP address is masked. Be sure to enable the kill switch feature in your VPN‘s settings to prevent data leaks if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

Conclusion

Using a VPN is the best way to protect your online privacy and access the unrestricted internet in Singapore. With a quality VPN, you can bypass geographic and government censorship while keeping your sensitive data safe from your ISP, hackers and surveillance.

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for Singapore thanks to its superb speeds, unblocking capabilities, advanced security and user-friendly apps. But NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access and ProtonVPN are also great options depending on your needs and budget.

No matter which VPN you choose, be sure to use it responsibly and only for legal activities. With the right VPN and some common sense precautions, you can enjoy a free, open and secure internet experience in Singapore and beyond.