5 Best FREE VPN for South Africa (2024)
Alex Mitchell
Husain Parvez
South Africa has good Internet usability with over 41.9 million active users. However, streaming services like Hulu, American Netflix, and BBC iPlayer are still blocked due to the protection of the Secrecy Bill that regulates all state information. Moreover, this country also does not allow you to download content via torrenting. To avoid such restrictions, you can use a VPN.
Having researched over 40+ best free VPNs for South Africa with 100+ hours invested, I have compiled a list of the most credible options, including both free and paid choices. This well-researched article offers a trusted, insightful overview, detailing each VPN’s features, pros and cons, and pricing. This ultimate guide may help you make the best choice. Do not miss out on the complete article to uncover exclusive and verified information. Read more…
Our Best Free VPN recommendation
BEST FREE VPN for South Africa: Top Picks!
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#1 Best Overall
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| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | FastestVPN |
| Number of servers: | 2,000+ | 6400+ | 3200+ | 800+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 105 | 111 | 100 | 49+ |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
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Excellent – 9.7
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Good – 9.6
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Good – 9.5
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| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 31 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
1) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for South Africa that I could trust to browse the Internet safely and protect myself from scammers. It helped me feel more secure knowing ExpressVPN does not log my traffic destinations, DNS queries, browsing history, or IP addresses. This VPN allows you to enjoy unlimited access to social media sites, music, and videos.
It is one of the best VPNs for South Africa that allowed me to pay with digital currency like Bitcoin. This VPN encrypts Internet traffic and masks IP. ExpressVPN helped me hide my real location. It provides numerous subscription plans for 1, 6, and 12 months. This VPN service provider offers a smart DNS service to unblock restricted content. As per my research, ExpressVPN offers online protection using encryption and leakproofing facilities. It helps you stay secure by encrypting your network data. This VPN program also provided me with 24/7 assistance via live chat and email.
Features:
- Device Connection: ExpressVPN allows connection to 5 devices simultaneously, including wireless routers, thus encrypting all my network activity.
- Connect with Router: I used this VPN to my router, thus ensuring all my devices have encrypted online activities. It kept my entire house safe from all kinds of malicious online threats.
- Dynamic IP Address: ExpressVPN provided a dynamic IP address each time I connected. Hence, it is perfect for streaming sites like Netflix.
- Server Network: It features a vast server network supporting streaming services, with additional virtual servers for enhanced access.
- Internet Speed: I noticed that it delivers high-speed connections. This ensures buffer-free streaming of 4K videos on your smart TV.
- Supported Platforms: ExpressVPN supports Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and browser extensions, including my favorites: Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Key Specs:
| Server Network : | 2000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Yes |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip addresses: | Dynamic |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 8 devices |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
How to use ExpressVPN for Free:
- Start your risk-free ExpressVPN trial. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no costs.
- ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This VPN service provides flexible pricing plans making it an easy-to-use online privacy tool.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
2) NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the top-rated VPNs for South Africa. It helped me feel secure by not tracking, collecting, or sharing my important data. In fact, it encrypts what I send and receive, ensuring my privacy. I particularly liked the subscription plans of 1 month, 12 months, and 24 months, which offered me a lot of flexibility. It is amazing for blocking ads and malware, and it lets me access several streaming websites without problems.
Features:
- Logging Policy: NordVPN’s logging policy ensures it never stores your online history, thus protecting your privacy effectively. Since its headquarters are located in Panama, you can be reassured that your data is safe since this area has no mandatory data retention laws.
- Dedicated IP Addresses: I liked using NordVPN’s dedicated IP addresses since it prevent unwanted blockers on sites like PayPal.
- Unblocking Capabilities: NordVPN’s unblocking capabilities allowed me to access YouTube anywhere, thus bypassing regional restrictions with ease.
- Simultaneous Connections: This VPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections. This makes sure that you can secure multiple devices under one subscription.
- Device Compatibility: I found NordVPN compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even with Android TV and Fire Stick.
Key Specs:
| Server Network : | 6400+ servers in 111 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Yes |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 10 devices |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
How to use NordVPN for Free:
- Start your risk-free NordVPN trial. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no costs.
- NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers flexible pricing plans, which makes it an easy to use and valuable privacy tool.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
3) Surfshark
I tested Surfshark as a superior choice for South Africa. It offered me secure and fast Internet access, which is essential for online privacy. I can confirm that it supports protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN, providing impressive security. It is also great for hiding your real location and protecting your sensitive information.
This application can protect my identity by hiding my actual IP. It does not log your WebRTC, IP, and prevents DNS leaks. This application allows P2P (Point to Point) connection via Virtual Private Network on certain servers. It is one of the best VPN services that can block annoying sites with no issue. This South Africa VPN allows you to share your IP with other people on the same server. It also allowed me to bookmark my preferred locations.
Features:
- Device Limitations: Surfshark allows you to connect unlimited devices; hence, it is perfect for households with many gadgets. During my research, I used it simultaneously on my smartphone, laptop, and tablet.
- Obfuscation Technology: Its camouflage mode is great for hiding the fact that you are connected through a VPN in restrictive countries.
- Automatic Connections: The Auto Connect feature makes sure that a secure connection is established automatically whenever I access YouTube.
- Support Accessibility: I found Surfshark’s customer support responsive; their live chat and ticket system offered quick solutions.
- Web Protection: The CleanWeb Feature provides ad tracking prevention and malware blocking to offer a seamless streaming experience.
Key Specs:
| Server Network : | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Yes |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | Unlimited |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
How to use Surfshark for Free:
- Start your risk-free trial of Surfshark. You can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no hidden costs.
- Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides different plans for online privacy and protection.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
4) FastestVPN
I reviewed FastestVPN as a great option for a lifetime VPN subscription. In my experience, it provides fast processing, secure encryption, and split tunneling, which is great for privacy. I particularly liked that its headquarters are in the Cayman Islands, as it has no surveillance alliances or data retention laws.
It is one of the few legitimate lifetime subscription services. At just $40 for lifetime access, this company offers one of the best deals available. Moreover, I found out that this company has servers in 49+ countries and over 100+ locations.
Features
- Protocol Selection: FastestVPN allowed me to choose from various VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and more, ensuring a stable, secure connection.
- Encryption Standard: FastestVPN’s mandatory 256-bit AES encryption protected my internet connection against cyberattacks and concealed my presence online.
- Server Availability: FastestVPN’s network operates over 800 servers in nearly 50 countries, making it great for accessing global content.
- Unlimited Data Usage: I could enjoy unlimited bandwidth with FastestVPN. Therefore, I received endless hours of high-quality YouTube videos.
- Platform Compatibility: FastestVPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Key Specs:
| Server Network : | 800+ servers in 49+ countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Yes |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip addresses: | Dynamic |
| Simultaneous Connection: | 10 devices |
| Free Trial: | 31-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
How to use FastestVPN for Free:
- Start your risk-free trial for FastestVPN
- You can cancel your subscription at any time within 31 days. You get your money back – no questions asked
- If you like the service, you may continue the subscription, as it costs just $40 for a lifetime subsription!
31-Days Money-back Guarantee
5) Private Internet Access
I reviewed Private Internet Access as a top-rated tool to unblock websites so I could enjoy my favorite content easily. In my experience, it is great for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions. I particularly liked how it helped me surf the Internet anonymously and bypass restrictions.
Private Internet Access VPN allows you to access the NoSpy server and encrypts the data using the latest 256-bit AES encryption technique. It even notified me when I connected to an unsecured public network.
Features:
- No-Logs Policy: Private Internet Access adheres to a no-logs policy, ensuring user activities and data remain unrecorded and private. I aim to keep my data private, and knowing the service does not record it gives me peace of mind.
- Encryption Security: It utilizes powerful encryption protocols to secure your internet connection and protect data from unauthorized access.
- IP Masking: This VPN masks my real IP address and provides complete anonymity while browsing, thus protecting my online identity.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: I received unlimited data usage with this VPN. This allowed me to enjoy uninterrupted streaming and downloading without any throttling.
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Its built-in features block ads and trackers, thus enhancing the browsing experience and effectively protecting privacy.
Key Specs:
| Server Network : | 35000+ servers in 91 countries |
| Split Tunneling: | Yes |
| Data Allowance: | Yes |
| Torrenting: | Yes |
| Kill Switch: | Yes |
| No-logging policy: | Yes |
| Ip addresses: | Static |
| Simultaneous Connection: | Unlimited |
| Free Trial: | 30-Days Money-back Guarantee Check Now! |
Pros
Cons
How to use PIA for Free:
- Go to this link. Signup for the cheapest plan.
- Download and enjoy the VPN. Claim a refund under the 30-days moneyback guarantee.
30-Days Money-back Guarantee
How to use VPN in South Africa?
You can easily access South African Content on Netflix and other OTT platforms using a NordVPN or others:
Step 1) Go to NordVPN Website. Press the Start Now button. This will take you to the subscription page.
Step 2) NordVPN offers three plans: a) 1 month, b) 1 year, and c) 2 years.
Choose a 1 Month plan. Continue to create an account, select and pay via desired payment option.
Note: You will be charged initially but can claim a refund with their 30-day money-back guarantee. To reduce your risk, I suggest you choose the 1 Month Plan only. Also, you can enter a one-time-use virtual credit card to reduce the risk further.
Step 3) Your NordVPN subscription has started
You can log in to the NordVPN website and download the installation file for your desired platform. Below, I have downloaded the app for Windows.
Step 4) Install and launch NordVPN
Select South Africa as the country and connect VPN.
Step 5) Open Netflix and log in to your account
You will be able to access all the videos available in SouthAfrica.
Can you use a free VPN for South Africa?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for South Africa, but they are not as safe as a paid Virtual Private Network. You are putting your online privacy at risk by using a free VPN program. Moreover, you will experience slower Internet speeds with these applications.
Therefore, it is not a good option to use free VPN software that compromises security by selling your personal details to third-party advertisers. I would recommend selecting a reliable premium VPN with a 30-day trial.
What restrictions can you face when visiting South Africa?
A draft bill was proposed by South Africa’s film and publication board that regulates the published media online like games and movies. The problem with it is that the draft legislation is unclear and authoritarian.
Huffington post reported that the bill sparked international criticism because of the degree of censorship. The moral policy of South Africa has put a restriction on the web browser on accessing legal content. However, you can still access blocked websites using a VPN.
Why use a VPN in South Africa?
Here are the important reasons to use VPN in South Africa:
- Privacy and anonymity: Protecting privacy is one of the important aspects of using a VPN for users living in South Africa. A good way to ensure this is to choose VPNs with no-logging policies and privacy protection features.
- Speed and stability: All top-tier VPN service providers offer high bandwidth. The best part is that if they at least have one server location near South Africa, people can access a low-latency connection.
- Security: VPN security is an important aspect for Africans. The Virtual Private Network service provider supports adjustable encryption rates, so using VPNs can be beneficial.
- Geolocation spoofing: South African people cannot get access to US restricted Netflix videos due to geolocation spoofing. VPNs provide support for such streaming services and allow effortless viewing.
- P2P support: It is a good idea to use VPN when you want to share a file with someone for your safety and security. You should choose VPN service providers that have a point-to-point optimized server.
Are VPN services legal in South Africa?
Yes, Virtual Private Network is legal in South Africa. This country does not have any laws on utilizing VPNs. So, anyone can use these applications with no trouble.
Can you access South African online banks with a VPN?
Online services like banking always encrypt your Internet traffic by default, but the use of a VPN provides an option to secure it further.
Virtual Private Network allows you to log into your bank accounts in various banks with no issue.
Are WiFi hotspots safe to use in South Africa?
Public hotspots are normally safe for general browsing. However, it is advisable that you do not use them for important tasks like banking. The first reason is that you don’t know about the person monitoring your data or the intention behind collecting your information. Second reason is that public networks are not secured, and they are prone to cyberattacks. A knowledgeable attacker can spoof your hotspot and steal your personal information. Therefore, it is good that you avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
What is the VPN that you should avoid in South Africa?
Here are the VPNs that you should avoid in South Africa:
- Hola: Hola has hijacked its user’s PC to create a botnet that is infected with malware. So it is not ideal to use Hola VPN.
- Hotspot Shield: This VPN provides super-fast server speed in South Africa, but unfortunately, it was caught by a pro-privacy group that collects browsing history, IP addresses, and shares with third-party advertisers. Therefore you should avoid using Hotspot Shield.
Why Trust Guru99?
At Guru99, our dedication to credibility is unwavering. Our editorial focus is to obtain accurate, relevant, and objective information. Rigorous content creation and review guarantee informative and reliable resources to answer your questions. Our team spent over 100 hours reviewing 40+ top VPNs to curate the list above. We tried these VPNs on various devices and used them to access all blocked content, websites, etc. After a careful and thorough evaluation, we made sure to include all their key features and unbiased pros and cons. Thus, this article will help you make the right decision for your requirements. Explore our editorial policy.
Verdict:
All of the above VPNs for South Africa offer reliable services and security. Each has its strengths, but to help you make the final decision, I have created this verdict.
- ExpressVPN is a robust and reliable choice with powerful encryption and an expansive server network, thus offering high speed and maximum security.
- NordVPN stands out as a secure and customizable option with advanced privacy features. Hence making it a great choice for users looking for comprehensive protection.
- Surfshark is an impressive and cost-effective solution. Therefore, it is the best choice for those who need a user-friendly VPN with great features at a lower price point.
