7 Best VPN Services for Malaysia (Free + Paid)

Are you looking for the best VPN for Malaysia? If so, count yourself lucky. 

The country is known for snooping its citizens across the digital space. Such actions raise concerns about privacy and overcoming online censorship. 

That’s why a good VPN is a must-have to cover your footprints on the internet. But with tons of vendors around, choosing the right one can be a hassle.

Fortunately, I’ve done the heavy lifting to save you time and money. I tested 25+ vendors on the market and narrowed the list to the best seven.

I’ll also share factors to consider before choosing a VPN service. This way, you’ll make an informed decision, necessary for safeguarding your privacy.

Ready? Here we go!

Why do I need a VPN in Malaysia?

A virtual private network (VPN) helps protect your online privacy and security. It’s vital in countries like Malaysia, which are well-known for internet censorship.  

The service works by encrypting and rerouting your traffic through secure foreign-based servers. This process hardens your connection, making it difficult for anyone to intercept.

Even if someone gets hold of it, the data will appear scrambled and unreadable. Accordingly, you’ll be able to access content on the web with confidence. 

Apart from that, VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted services blocked in Malaysia. Through location spoofing, you can fool such platforms into granting access. 

Sometimes, internet service providers (ISPs) can throttle bandwidth when engaging in tasks like torrenting. But with a VPN, your activities remain secret, enabling you to enjoy full speeds.   

The good thing is VPNs are legal to use in Malaysia. This gives you a chance to take control of your online security and privacy.

So, let’s find a VPN for you.

Best VPN for Malaysia

Here’s a quick summary of the top VPNs for Malaysia:

• Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best overall
• Surfshark – Best for multi-device users
• NordVPN – Best for security
• ExpressVPN – Best for streaming
• Paladin VPN – Best free VPN
• CyberGhost – best for torrenting
• Proton VPN – Best freemium VPN

Find more details next.

1. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA boasts a massive network comprising 64,000+ servers in over 90 countries. This gives you endless possibilities to ace past censorship and geo-restrictions hassle-free.  

The service comes with a novice-friendly app that makes it great for beginners. Even better, the VPN supports unlimited device connections, perfect for large households. 

PIA secures traffic using bank-grade 256-bit encryption to discourage intruders. Moreover, it offers protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec to safeguard your data.

The vendor adheres to a strict no-logs policy and utilizes open-source software. This ensures total transparency, which is necessary to maximize privacy and security.

Other extras include a built-in ad blocker, anti-tracking, and proactive malware protection. A kill switch is also available to prevent accidental data leaks when the VPN fails. 

Plans start at a very affordable $1.98/month. Plus, with 24/7 customer support available, you can get help whenever you need it.

✅ Pros:

• User-friendly
• Affordable pricing plans
• Multi-platform support
• Unlimited device connections

❌ Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Average customer support
• Some servers are slow
• Dodgy refund policy

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Browse the web securely and privately using the world’s largest VPN network.

Check price Visit website

2. Surfshark

Surfshark offers a powerful combination of affordability and flexibility. Plans start at $2.39/month, offering unrestricted bandwidth and unlimited device connections. 

Its networks comprise over 3,200 speed-optimized servers spread across 100+ countries. This ensures you get to appreciate fast connections and superior reliability in Malaysia. 

IP/DNS leak protection boosts privacy when browsing the internet. If the VPN fails, an onboard kill switch prevents accidental data exposure.

Like with PIA, connections go through a secure tunnel with 256-bit encryption. Additionally, you get industry-leading protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec/IKEv2. 

Surfshark boasts an independently verified strict no-logs policy for enhanced privacy. This guarantees the company won’t track, record, or store your online activities. 

What I like about it is its proprietary CleanWeb mode. Baked into the app, it blocks annoying ads, malicious websites, phishing attempts, etc.

✅ Pros:

• Novice-friendly app
• Unlimited device connections
• Affordable pricing plans
• Independently audited

❌ Cons:

• Triggers CAPTCHAs online
• Clunky split tunneling
• Occasionally slow on Android
• Auto-connect needs improvement

Surfshark

Protect all devices in your household and surf the web securely using this budget-friendly VPN.

Check price Visit website

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is a top-notch all-around security suite that offers total online protection. The service comes with 6,100+ servers available in about 60 countries. 

It boasts the fastest download speeds in the game, averaging 6,700Mbps. This ensures you enjoy bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming, torrenting, online gaming, etc.

The vendor offers different types of virtual servers to turbocharge your browsing. These comprise double VPN, obfuscated, onion over VPN, and P2P.

NordVPN’s approach to security is next to none on the market. To start with, it secures connections using 256-bit encryption. 

Multiple connection protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard-based Nordlynx, are available. Additionally, an IP/DNS leak protection and kill switch help prevent your data from leaking.

Others include an aggressive suite of internet security tools. These include a web anti-virus, dangerous download protection, and vulnerability detection. 

✅ Pros:

• Robust security features
• Feature-rich application
• 10 simultaneous connections
• 24/7 customer support

❌ Cons:

• Intimidating to beginners
• Costly month-to-month plans
• Occasionally disables web access
• Auto-starts even when disconnected

NordVPN

Browse the internet securely and with confidence using this enterprise-grade VPN.  

Check price Visit website

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN prioritizes user-friendliness with a simple and intuitive app. With over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries, it’s easy to customize and launch connections.

The vendor offers a variety of protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway.  All connections are secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption and obfuscation technology to mask your VPN traffic.

ExpressVPN goes beyond the basics with features like DNS/IP leak protection. Furthermore, there’s a kill switch to ensure your privacy is never compromised.

Like its rivals, the company upholds to a strict no-logs policy. So, you can access the internet without the fear of someone snooping on your activities. 

Recently, ExpressVPN added ad blocking, anti-tracking, and even a password manager. These features provide extra layers of security for a streamlined browsing experience.

Plans start from $8.32/month, which is slightly higher than some competitors. However, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to explore the service risk-free.

✅ Pros:

• Beginner-friendly app
• Wide device compatibility
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Eight simultaneous connections

❌ Cons:

• Intimidating to beginners
• Expensive plans
• No Linux app
• Occassionally disables web access

ExpressVPN

Enjoy the internet without boundaries using this feature-packed and beginner-friendly service.

Check price Visit website

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a feature-packed VPN compatible with virtually any device. The service offers access to 11,000+ servers in about 100 countries, guaranteeing maximum reliability. 

The vendor allows up to seven simultaneous device connections, far less than rivals. But you get unlimited traffic to browse the internet worry-free. 

CyberGhost’s service runs on a 10Gbps network backbone. This guarantees blazing-fast speeds when streaming, gaming, and torrenting files.

 There’s a content blocker that restricts annoying online ads from disrupting your experience. It also includes basic anti-tracking but not to NordVPN’s standards.

IP/DNS leak protection is active by default to stop anyone from snooping your activities. The kill switch fires automatically when your connection drops to safeguard your data. 

CyberGhost’s plans start from $2.03/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee. Support is available around the clock to be at your service when in need.

✅ Pros:

• Novice-friendly app
• Affordable plans
• Fast download speeds
• Wide server network

❌ Cons:

• Lags sometimes
• Some servers are slow
• Hardly works in China
• Limited free trial

CyberGhost

Break free from geo-restrictions and online censorship using this pocket-friendly VPN.

Check price Visit website

6. Paladin VPN

Cash-strapped? No problem. Get Paladin VPN, which offers its services for free. 

You get unrestricted access to hundreds of servers in about 50+ countries. The vendor also provides unlimited bandwidth to browse without limits.

Paladin VPN’s app is novice-friendly, and no registration is required to use the service. Amazingly, you get split tunneling to allow some apps to bypass the VPN connection.

The vendor encrypts traffic using 256-bit encryption to shield you from hackers. It also claims to have a strict no-logs policy, but my review of the service suggested otherwise. 

Aside from that, tests show it has solid IP/DNS leak protection. This is something that even some premium VPNs struggle to cope with. 

On the downside, Paladin VPN provides support via email. You also need lots of patience spanning days to get a response. 

✅ Pros:

• Free VPN service
• Beginner-friendly app
• Wide device compatibility
• Unlimited bandwidth

❌ Cons:

• Questionable privacy
• Basic VPN features
• No kill switch
• Slow download speeds

7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a freemium VPN that offers both free and premium plans. It controls over 4,000 servers available in about 100 countries.

Speeds are incredibly fast, courtesy if its 10Gbps network backbone. This delivers super-fast connectivity, perfect for a seamless browsing experience. 

Security features include 256-bit and ChaCha20 encryption to safeguard your connection. Additionally, you get strong protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard for traffic hardening.

Proton VPN’s privacy is equally solid considering it’s headquartered in Switzerland. The country has strong laws that prohibit companies from snooping on their customers.

The vendor’s app is novice-friendly and easy to use. However, its robust features can be challenging for first-timers. 

Unlike Paladin VPN, free users can only connect to a handful of servers. But upgrading unlocks unrestricted access to the entire network.

✅ Pros:

• Unlimited bandwidth
• Free tier
• Fast speeds
• Feature-rich app

❌ Cons:

• Limited free plan
• Email-only support
• Pricey premium plans
• Limited P2P servers

Proton VPN

Get Proton VPN and enjoy robust online security and privacy at no cost.

Check price Visit website

Still undecided? I can help with that, too.

💡 Factors to consider when choosing a VPN for Malaysia

Choosing a VPN provider isn’t an easy task, especially for first-time users. However, you can use the guide below to make an informed decision. 

• Check server network: Choose a VPN with extensive network coverage. This gives you endless possibilities for accessing content on the internet. Here, Private Internet Access and CyberGhost outshine the competition with their 10,000+ server network.  
• Explore security features: Ensure you get a service with robust security options. Examples include 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN/WireGuard protocols, IP/DNS leak protection, kill switch, etc. If this is a priority, no vendor comes close to NordVPN’s bulletproof security and web protection tools.
• Double-check logging policy: A no-logs policy shows a VPN doesn’t record your activities. Some vendors like PIA are independently verified by experts in the industry. Such an assurance gives you confidence to use the services without worries. 
• Ease of use:  If you’re a beginner, consider using VPNs with novice-friendly apps. Quite a number shine here such as  ExpressVPN, Paladin VPN, and PIA. Still, you won’t lose if you opt for advanced services like NordVPN and Proton VPN. 
• Consider customer support: Choose a vendor that provides multiple communication channels. These can include, but are not limited to, live chat, phone, WhatsApp, etc. Sadly, free providers like Paladin and Proton VPN perform poorly in this area. 

That’s about it. 

Wrapping up

Finding a VPN for Malaysia should now be an easy task. There are tons of options to choose from, both free and premium.

Before deciding, compare the services based on network size, security, use tracking, usability, etc. Moreover, explore the effectiveness of customer support just in case things go wrong. 

Of course, you can take advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees. They give you a chance to test the services before committing.