Best VPN for Singapore: Complete Guide 2026

Singapore is a major global hub for business, finance, and technology, attracting expats, digital nomads, and professionals from around the world. While Singapore boasts world-class internet infrastructure with some of the fastest speeds globally, it also implements strict internet regulations and content restrictions that make a VPN essential for privacy and unrestricted access.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet connection, protects your privacy under Singapore's surveillance laws, and allows you to bypass content restrictions and access blocked websites. It's particularly important given Singapore's strict regulations on online speech and content.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that work reliably in Singapore, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer strong privacy features, excellent performance on Singapore's ultra-fast networks, and the ability to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions.

What a VPN is and how it works in Singapore

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your connection through secure servers around the world. This protects your data, hides your online activity from ISPs and government monitoring, and allows you to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions.

In Singapore, where the government monitors internet activity and blocks certain content, a VPN is essential for accessing the unrestricted internet, protecting your privacy, and securing your connection on public WiFi.

Here's how it works:

1. Install a VPN app on your device
2. Connect to a server (Singapore for local content, or other countries to bypass restrictions)
3. Browse freely with complete privacy and security
4. Your real IP address and browsing activity are hidden

Why you need a VPN in Singapore

Singapore implements internet regulations and monitoring that make a VPN necessary for privacy and unrestricted access.

Using a VPN in Singapore helps you:

• Bypass Singapore's internet censorship and access blocked websites
• Protect your privacy from government surveillance and monitoring
• Secure your connection on public WiFi in malls, cafés, and hotels
• Access streaming services from your home country (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.)
• Access websites and content blocked for political or moral reasons
• Protect yourself from strict online speech laws
• Secure online banking and financial transactions
• Prevent ISP tracking and maintain privacy online
• Access Singaporean content when traveling outside Singapore

For expats, digital nomads, and privacy-conscious users in Singapore, a VPN provides essential freedom and protection.

VPNs that work reliably in Singapore

NordVPN: premium privacy and censorship bypass

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for use in Singapore, offering obfuscated servers to bypass restrictions, strong encryption for privacy, and servers in Singapore for local access.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Obfuscated servers bypass Singapore's censorship
• Servers in Singapore for local connections
• 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
• Military-grade encryption
• No-log policy independently audited
• Lightning-fast speeds on Singapore's fiber networks
• Works on all devices
• 24-hour live chat support
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Privacy-conscious users, expats, and professionals in Singapore who need strong privacy protection and reliable censorship bypass.

Surfshark: unlimited devices, excellent privacy

Surfshark provides reliable performance in Singapore with Camouflage Mode to hide VPN usage, unlimited simultaneous connections, and strong privacy features.

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Camouflage Mode hides VPN usage
• NoBorders mode for restricted networks
• Servers in Singapore for local access
• 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
• Fast speeds on Singapore's networks
• CleanWeb blocks ads and malware
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Families, expats with multiple devices, or users who want reliable VPN protection and censorship bypass in Singapore.

VPN comparison for Singapore

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work excellently in Singapore for bypassing censorship and protecting privacy. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your needs.

NordVPN is ideal if you want the strongest privacy features, most robust censorship bypass, and premium security.

Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices, want unlimited simultaneous connections, and prefer budget-friendly pricing.

Internet regulations in Singapore

Singapore has strict internet regulations and content restrictions:

Key regulations:

• Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) - allows government to restrict access to content
• Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) - targets "fake news"
• Broadcasting Act - requires websites to be licensed
• Strict defamation and sedition laws
• Content deemed harmful can be blocked

Blocked and restricted content:

• Websites critical of the government
• Some news and political websites
• Content related to race and religion that could cause disharmony
• Adult content (100+ sites blocked)
• Gambling websites
• File-sharing and torrent sites
• Some VPN and proxy websites

Government monitoring:

• ISPs required to log user data
• Government can monitor online activity
• Strict laws against online speech
• Potential legal consequences for certain online activities

Why VPN is essential:

• Bypasses content blocks
• Protects privacy from monitoring
• Encrypts all online activity
• Provides access to unrestricted internet

Both NordVPN and Surfshark successfully bypass Singapore's restrictions.

Internet infrastructure in Singapore

Singapore has world-class internet infrastructure:

Fiber coverage:

• Nationwide fiber network
• Speeds up to 10 Gbps available
• Among the fastest internet in the world
• Extremely reliable connections
• Low latency

Typical speeds:

• Residential: 500 Mbps - 2 Gbps common
• Business: Up to 10 Gbps
• Mobile 5G: Very fast and reliable
• Public WiFi: Widely available

Singapore consistently ranks #1 or #2 globally for internet speed. VPNs cause minimal speed reduction on Singapore's excellent infrastructure.

VPN performance on Singapore internet providers

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work with all major Singapore ISPs:

Singtel

• Largest provider
• Excellent fiber speeds
• VPN works without issues
• Wide coverage

StarHub

• Good fiber network
• Fast speeds
• VPN-friendly
• Reliable service

M1

• Strong coverage
• Good speeds
• No VPN restrictions
• Competitive pricing

MyRepublic

• Fiber specialist
• Very fast speeds
• Works well with VPNs
• Tech-focused

ViewQwest

• Premium provider
• Excellent speeds
• VPN compatible
• Good support

Singapore ISPs don't officially block VPN traffic, but monitoring may occur. Both recommended VPNs use obfuscation to hide VPN usage.

Using VPN in Singapore coworking spaces and cafés

Singapore has excellent coworking spaces and cafés, but public WiFi requires security:

Popular coworking spaces:

CBD/Marina Bay:

• WeWork (Multiple locations)
• JustCo (Multiple locations)
• The Work Project
• The Great Room

Other areas:

• Collective Works
• Found8
• WOHA
• Paper + Toast

Popular cafés for remote work:

• Starbucks (nationwide)
• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• Independent cafés in Tiong Bahru, Holland Village

Why VPN is important:

• Public WiFi security
• Protect sensitive work data
• Bypass potential network restrictions
• Prevent monitoring on shared networks
• Comply with privacy best practices

Always connect to your VPN before joining any public WiFi network in Singapore.

Legal considerations in Singapore

Singapore has strict laws affecting internet usage:

Important laws:

• POFMA - criminalizes sharing "false statements"
• Online speech can have legal consequences
• Defamation laws strictly enforced
• Sedition Act applies to online content
• Racial and religious harmony laws

VPN and privacy:

• VPN use is legal
• Helps protect against inadvertent violations
• Encrypts communications
• Protects privacy
• However, illegal activities remain illegal even with VPN

Important: While VPNs are legal and provide privacy, users must still comply with Singapore's laws. A VPN protects your privacy but doesn't make illegal activities legal.

Streaming services in Singapore

With a VPN, you can access streaming services from your home country while in Singapore:

International streaming in Singapore:

• Netflix (access your home country's library)
• Hulu (US only, requires US server)
• BBC iPlayer (UK content with UK server)
• Disney+ (available in Singapore, access other regions)
• HBO Max (not officially available in Singapore)
• Amazon Prime Video (access different regional libraries)

Singapore streaming platforms:

• Mediacorp meWATCH - Local TV content
• Toggle - Singapore content
• Viu - Asian dramas
• Netflix Singapore - Regional content library

Most expats use VPNs to access content from their home countries.

VPN for expats and professionals

Singapore's large expat community relies on VPNs:

Why expats need VPNs:

• Access home country services
• Bypass censorship to access news
• Secure communications
• Protect privacy under strict laws
• Access familiar content and services

Professional uses:

• Secure business communications
• Protect confidential data
• Access company networks securely
• Comply with international privacy standards
• Secure video conferencing

VPN usage is common and necessary among Singapore's international community.

Can I use a free VPN in Singapore?

Free VPNs are not recommended for use in Singapore:

• Often don't bypass Singapore's censorship
• Slow speeds despite Singapore's fast infrastructure
• Data caps that limit usage
• Poor security with questionable privacy policies
• May log and sell your browsing data (risky given Singapore's laws)
• Limited server options
• No customer support
• May not protect privacy adequately

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer reliable censorship bypass, strong privacy protections essential in Singapore, unlimited bandwidth, and 24/7 support.

Singapore's position as a regional hub

Singapore is a major regional hub affecting VPN needs:

Business hub:

• Major financial center
• Regional headquarters for many companies
• High security requirements
• Need for secure communications

Travel hub:

• Gateway to Asia
• Frequent international travel
• Need to access services from multiple countries
• Changi Airport (excellent WiFi but public)

VPN benefits for business travelers:

• Secure airport WiFi connections
• Access company networks safely
• Maintain access to services while traveling
• Protect business communications

VPN on different devices in Singapore

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all devices commonly used in Singapore:

Computers: Windows, Mac, LinuxMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsSmart TVs: Android TV, Samsung, LGStreaming devices: Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, ChromecastRouters: Configure VPN for whole-home protectionBrowsers: Chrome, Firefox extensions available

NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connectionsSurfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections

Singapore's tech-savvy population often uses multiple devices, making Surfshark's unlimited connections valuable.

Cost of living and VPN pricing

Singapore is expensive, but VPNs remain affordable:

Singapore context:

• One of the world's most expensive cities
• High cost for most services
• Premium pricing common

VPN value:

• Very affordable compared to Singapore prices
• Essential service for privacy
• Small monthly cost for significant benefits
• Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer good value

The monthly VPN cost is negligible compared to Singapore's cost of living but provides essential privacy and access.

Final recommendation: best VPN for Singapore 2026

Singapore's strict internet laws and monitoring make a VPN essential for privacy protection and unrestricted internet access. A VPN provides freedom to access any website, security on public WiFi, and critical privacy protection.

NordVPN is the top choice for Singapore with obfuscated servers that bypass censorship, strong privacy features essential under Singapore's laws, servers in Singapore for local access, and excellent performance on ultra-fast networks.

Surfshark is ideal for expats and families in Singapore who want unlimited device connections, Camouflage Mode to hide VPN usage, reliable censorship bypass, and excellent value pricing.

Both successfully bypass Singapore's restrictions, work on all Singapore ISPs, offer strong privacy protection, 24/7 support, and 30-day money-back guarantees. Choose either one and enjoy unrestricted, private internet access in Singapore.