NordVPN is the best VPN for Myanmar. Its obfuscated servers get past the military junta’s VPN blocks, its Double VPN servers and Threat Protection add extra layers against monitoring for arrests, and an audited no-logs policy in Panama means there’s nothing for the Tatmadaw to seize.
It also runs 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, with fast exits in Singapore and Thailand right next door to bypass internet speed throttling and online censorship without a noticeable slowdown.
Surfshark is the pick if you need a local Myanmar IP address or want to cover unlimited devices, ExpressVPN has the fastest obfuscation on every server, and PIA and PureVPN are also worthy additions to secure your internet experience in Burma.
Keep reading to learn which VPNs to use in some instances and how to choose and set up your secure VPN for Myanmar.
Top 3 VPNs for Myanmar
Surfshark
Best for a Myanmar IP address
- Virtual Myanmar server location
- Unlimited device protection
- Camouflage Mode and NoBorders
NordVPN
Best for privacy in Myanmar
- Obfuscated servers and Double VPN
- Audited no-logs policy in Panama
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries
ExpressVPN
Best for always-on obfuscation
- Obfuscation on all servers
- Fastest speeds in my tests
- Virtual Myanmar location
Reporters Without Borders listed Myanmar as an enemy of the internet in 2011, and, sadly, things are getting worse.
As far back as 2012, Myanmar blocked access to sites containing content relating to:
- Pornography
- Gambling
- Alcohol and drugs
- Online dating
- LGBTQ+ matters
- Sex education
- Anti-web filtering tools
Interestingly, the military government hides under the umbrella of banning those categories to censor other non-related websites. For example, Facebook is restricted to prevent protesters from organizing or letting the world know what’s happening in the country.
On top of that, ISPs were ordered to install spyware on users’ devices before the 2021 coup.
When the military took power, it gained control of the country’s two largest telecoms and ISP (MPT and Mytel). In other words, the military can censor your internet activity without oversight and see everything you do on the internet.
Thus, it’s easy to find protesters, track dissidents, and arrest citizens who may access banned content or speak against the harsh military rule.
And that’s on top of the speed throttling.
Fortunately, my chosen Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers offer obfuscation to bypass VPN traffic blocks and reliable encryption to protect your internet traffic.
Also, you get better speeds to unblock content faster without suffering the throttled internet speeds.
So, continue reading to find the best Virtual Private Networks, what makes each unique, and make the best buying decision.
Use These VPNs to Watch Channel 7 or MRTV and Avoid Myanmar Military Tracking
You usually can’t watch Channel 7, MRTV, Channel 5, and other Myanmar TV channels outside the country. Likewise, everything you do on the internet can be accessed and seen by the military, which may lead to your arrest.
So, I recommend my top VPNs to unblock Myanmar TV from outside the country, protect your internet activity from the military while in the country, and unblock other censored content fast.
- NordVPN – Get 7,000+ reliable servers across 150 countries, plus obfuscated servers and Double VPN, to bypass internet censorship and the junta’s VPN blocks in Myanmar. Plus, you get mirror sites if the military blocks this VPN’s website.
- Surfshark – Virtual server location in Myanmar for local TV and banking apps, plus Camouflage Mode and NoBorders for private browsing. Additionally, secure unlimited devices from one Surfshark subscription.
- ExpressVPN – Enjoy obfuscation on servers in 113 countries to bypass Myanmar VPN traffic blocks without a speed penalty. Also, you get a Myanmar IP address to access local content.
- PIA – Set up free port forwarding with blazing fast multi-hop technology. Achieve faster download speeds, enjoy reliable file sharing, and secure your internet experience in Myanmar.
- PureVPN – Extra protection against Myanmar military online tracking with quantum-resistant servers. Plus, you get 6000+ servers in 65+ countries to unblock content, bypass censorship, and beat throttling.
If you’re in a hurry, this list helps you make a buying decision at a glance.
However, each of these VPNs holds more than I could fit above.
So, continue reading to learn how these VPNs help the Myanmar situation and how they compare to find the overall best.
Reviews and Comparisons of My Top VPNs for Myanmar
Let’s discuss what makes each VPN provider stand out and where it falls short of others.
After reviewing more than 20+ VPNs to get these top five, we’ll also discuss how these providers fare on security, encryption, content unblocking, and speed.
NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Internet Privacy in Myanmar
Myanmar is the kind of place where a VPN has to do two jobs at once: get you past the junta’s filters, and leave nothing behind for anyone to find. NordVPN handles both better than anything else I tested, and it does so for about the same price as ExpressVPN.
Start with reach. NordVPN runs 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, the largest network on this list and well past ExpressVPN’s 113 countries. For someone inside Myanmar, the ones that matter are next door: its Singapore and Thailand servers are a short hop away, which keeps ping down and throttling off.
Getting past the VPN ban is the job of NordVPN’s specialty obfuscated servers, a dedicated category that runs over OpenVPN (TCP) and disguises your VPN traffic as ordinary HTTPS.
There’s a noticeable speed drop on them, so I treat obfuscation as a switch: on when the ISP is filtering VPN traffic, off (and back to NordLynx) the rest of the time. NordVPN has since added its NordWhisper protocol, which dresses VPN traffic up as regular web browsing to slip through networks that block standard VPN protocols, giving you a second route in when the obfuscated servers are being throttled.
Nonetheless, the layer I value most here is the Double VPN multi-hopping technique, which makes it harder for the military junta to track your VPN-assigned IP address.
This feature connects you to a VPN server and then hops you onto another server, giving a secondary VPN IP address that’s not visible from your first connection. There’s a speed tradeoff here too, but for reading and posting under a regime that arrests bloggers, I’ll take the second hop.
Threat Protection rounds out the security side. It blocks malicious domains, trackers, and ads before they load, and the Pro version (higher-tier plans) scans downloads for malware, a welcome safeguard in a country where Microsoft has flagged an unusually high rate of infected devices.
Now for the local angle: NordVPN has added a virtual Myanmar location in Naypyidaw, so you can get a Burma IP address for Myanmar TV and banking apps from abroad, though it runs just two servers.
Inside the country, you can also set up split tunneling to secure some apps with the VPN and bypass the VPN on sensitive programs like your banking apps.
You can only set up split tunneling for the PC and Android app, and you’re left without such support on your iOS devices.
Moving on, NordVPN uses the same AES 256-bit encryption technology as ExpressVPN.
It adds a dual kill switch (on the PC app) for even better security against IP and DNS leaks which could otherwise help the Tatmadaw deanonymize you.
Besides PIA, only NordVPN offers dual kill switches.
Fortunately, NordVPN is also an audited no-logs provider in Panama, out of the Myanmar military’s jurisdiction. So, you can rest assured that
- The military junta won’t find any of your info on NordVPN’s servers if it hacks them.
- NordVPN doesn’t have any reason to cooperate with the Tatmadaw.
- NordVPN doesn’t collect your data to hand over.
- Panama, where NordVPN resides, won’t act on NordVPN (against you) for the Myanmar military.
Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also maintains mirror websites to ensure your continued access if the Tatmadaw blocks access to the provider’s main website.
Get in touch with NordVPN’s customer support, and they’ll be happy to help you with a few links.
Off the obfuscated servers, its in-house NordLynx protocol keeps streams from MRTV, Mahar, MITV, and Mizzima moving without the throttling you get on a bare Myanmar connection.
You can also stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other media content fast with NordVPN’s reliable unblocking.
Thankfully, NordVPN allows ten simultaneous device connections, and its long-term plans start at about the same price as ExpressVPN’s.
US dollars · checked Oct 1
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Also, grab these NordVPN discounts to save on your VPN plan.
Pros
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, with Singapore and Thailand exits next door
- Specialty obfuscated servers plus the NordWhisper protocol to beat VPN blocks
- Double VPN and Threat Protection for extra layers of privacy
- In-house NordLynx protocol for faster speeds
- Audited no-logs policy in Panama
- Mirror websites to bypass VPN blocks
- Ten simultaneous device connections
Cons
- Just two (virtual) Myanmar servers
- Obfuscated servers and Double VPN are slower than the regular servers
Surfshark – Protect Unlimited Devices From Military Spies in Myanmar
Surfshark is the most impressive budget VPN for Myanmar, considering its:
- 4,500+ servers in 100 countries.
- Virtual server location in Myanmar.
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
It covers fewer countries than NordVPN (150) or ExpressVPN (113), but that Myanmar location gives you a local Burmese IP from anywhere.
On top of that, you can protect as many devices as you want under a single Surfshark subscription. This makes it the best value offering of the VPNs I reviewed.
However, it doesn’t offer fast obfuscation on all protocols and servers, like ExpressVPN.
While it’s also plenty fast, it doesn’t usually record the same ultra-fast speeds to stream content in 4K you’ll get on ExpressVPN.
Despite that, it’ll still bypass throttling from Ooredoo, Telenor, MYTEL, and other ISPs in Myanmar.
Likewise, choosing a virtual (instead of physical) server in Myanmar means Surfshark can ensure:
- Better server security since the Myanmar military can’t seize the server.
- Improved server uptime since it’s maintained from outside Burma.
- Better speeds because the server uses better internet infrastructure than in Myanmar.
On top of that, you get AES 256-bit encryption that makes decrypting your live traffic impossible for the Myanmar military.
There’s also a kill switch to prevent IP/DNS leaks if you ever lose connection to your Surfshark remote server.
Additionally, Surfshark offers obfuscation over OpenVPN protocols, like NordVPN. Dubbed Camouflage Mode, Surfshark’s obfuscation ensures you can beat robust firewalls, throw your Myanmar ISP off your VPN traffic scent, and circumvent VPN traffic blocks.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark also suffers a noticeable speed drop with obfuscation. So, you can’t rely on its obfuscated protocols to stream movies or download content securely like with ExpressVPN.
Nevertheless, Surfshark still impresses with a NoBorders mode, which automatically detects network restrictions and provides you with a list of servers to bypass those restrictions.
This is the only VPN provider with such a solution here.
Surfshark is also the only VPN provider with Rotating IPs to keep you even safer over longer VPN connections.
With the feature enabled, Surfshark changes your IP around randomly even though you remain connected to the same remote server.
In addition, you can multi-hop to locations in answer to NordVPN’s Double VPN technology. The multi-hop feature on Surfshark allows you to connect to a preferred server location by going through another.
Thus, losing anyone tracking your VPN movement.
However, the multi-hop may also slow your internet connection and doesn’t combine SOCKS5 proxy (like PIA) for better speeds.
Nevertheless, it’s comparably faster than Double VPN from NordVPN.
Surfshark is also an audited zero logs policy provider.
Even though it’s based in the Netherlands, it won’t cooperate with the Myanmar military or hand your data over. After all, it doesn’t collect that data.
Also, you can get Surfshark mirror websites by speaking with customer support.
So, suppose the Tatmadaw blocks access to the VPN provider’s website.
In that case, you get an official lookalike to keep enjoying its services.
For a VPN that offers these essential features and extras with unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s surprising that Surfshark remains highly affordable. NordVPN’s lead is about depth rather than price: its network is about 50% bigger, it adds Threat Protection and a dual kill switch, and it answers to Panama rather than a Nine Eyes member. If a Burmese IP or unlimited devices are your priority, though, Surfshark is the stronger match.
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Despite that, you can save more with Surfshark discounts and get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Virtual Myanmar server for Burma IP
- 4,500+ servers in 100 countries
- Multi-hop technology for better security
- Offers obfuscation over Camouflage Mode
- Audited no-logs VPN provider
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
Cons
- No in-house protocol
- Not as fast as ExpressVPN
- Obfuscation and multi-hop may cause connection speed drops
- Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country
ExpressVPN – Bypass Military VPN Bans, Throttling, and Censorship in Myanmar
ExpressVPN’s servers in 113 countries provide users inside and outside Myanmar access to global content.
Likewise, ExpressVPN employs obfuscation on all servers and protocols so you can bypass firewalls and VPN traffic blocks set up by the Tatmadaw.
Fortunately, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is ultra-fast.
So, you don’t have to sacrifice speed for this security, like most other providers on this list.
Also, ExpressVPN is the only provider to develop a protocol (called Lightway) from scratch to:
- Ensure faster speeds.
- Offer reliable security.
- Boost encryption.
- Enhance privacy and anonymity.
On top of that, ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to ensure the Myanmar military can’t decrypt your internet traffic.
This is important since Tatmadaw is acquiring tech such as MacQuisition, which can hack even Apple devices.
But it gets better.
Like Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN offers a local Myanmar IP address.
This allows you to:
- Browse the local internet securely without losing any data to the military junta.
- Unblock access to location-sensitive applications such as MUFG Bank, Maybank, OCBC Bank, or other banking apps.
- Stream Channel 7, Channel 5, MRTV, and other Myanmar TV channels from home or abroad.
- Surf the web securely without setting up split tunneling to keep accessing local content.
Since the military has taken over the ISPs, it can see the data you transmit on the internet. After connecting to ExpressVPN, your internet data now passes through a VPN tunnel.
This prevents the Tatmadaw from:
- Seeing what you do on the internet.
- Tracking you via your real IP or DNS address.
- Throttling your speeds on streaming sites or when downloading content online.
- Knowing your identity.
Tying that into ExpressVPN’s impressive unblocking streak, you can watch censored content online and access blocked websites without triggering any spyware red flags.
For example, you can now:
- Stream Netflix US or other country libraries.
- Watch CNN News, BBC, and other significant news providers.
- Unblock social media websites like Facebook and Twitter.
- Stream YouTube content and upload videos from Myanmar.
- Bypass bet365 blocks and other gambling websites’ censorships.
Importantly, ExpressVPN is a no-logs provider located in the British Virgin Islands.
That means the Myanmar military can’t hack the VPN to find your data (since it doesn’t collect it) or request it since it’s not based in Burma’s jurisdiction.
ExpressVPN provides a kill switch (dubbed Network Lock) to prevent IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks whenever the VPN connection drops.
So, ensure it’s enabled (on the PC and Android app) before connecting to prevent brief slip-ups that could reveal your identity to the Tatmadaw.
Note that the iOS kill switch is built into the system and automatically enabled after connecting to an ExpressVPN server.
Fortunately, ExpressVPN knows that the military may ban access to its website to prevent you from getting the app. So, it set up official mirror websites, which usually fly under the censorship radar to ensure continued access.
If you’re hard pressed for one, get in touch with customer support via email, and they’ll get back to you with a working mirror website.
The reason it doesn’t break into the top two is what you pay against what you get. ExpressVPN costs more than Surfshark, PIA, and PureVPN, and once you’re past the ISP’s filter it has fewer layers than NordVPN: no Double VPN, no specialty server categories, and servers in fewer countries (113 against NordVPN’s 150).
Its always-on obfuscation is the most convenient implementation here, though, and if that convenience (or the local Burma IP) is what you value most, the VPN is still worth the money.
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Still, grab these ExpressVPN discounts to get better value on your purchase.
Pros
- Local Myanmar IP address
- Servers in 113 countries
- Reliable, fast obfuscation on all servers
- In-house Lightway protocol for reliable speed + security
- Audited no-logs provider
- Provides mirror websites
Cons
- Pricier than Surfshark, PIA, and PureVPN
- No Double VPN or specialty server categories like NordVPN
PIA – Fast Servers to Bypass ISP Throttling in Myanmar
PIA’s ultra-fast servers in 91 countries help defeat throttling from Ooredoo, MYTEL, or other Myanmar ISPs and access better internet speeds.
However, I don’t like that there’s no Myanmar server.
So, you don’t get the local IP address to browse Myanmar content, unblock banking apps abroad, secure local internet experience, or stream Myanmar’s online TV channels.
Looking past that, PIA impresses with the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption across protocols. Thus, the military can’t hack your live internet traffic through VPN tunnels.
You even get the option to choose AES 128-bit encryption for better speeds.
However, I don’t recommend that for a harsh government censorship clime like Myanmar, where the military invests in top-shelf hacking technology.
Additionally, PIA provides two kill switches to protect you when the VPN randomly disconnects.
Like the other providers on this list, PIA’s obfuscation happens over the OpenVPN (TCP + UDP) protocols. After enabling OpenVPN, you must toggle the multi-hop and obfuscation feature in the PIA settings.
In contrast, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is the easier one to live with since the feature is automatically enabled on connection to any server and protocol.
However, PIA’s multi-hopping strategy for obfuscation makes it faster than Surfshark and NordVPN. So, it’s comparable to ExpressVPN, which is impressive.
Still, you can only get obfuscation on Android and PC, not iOS. So, iOS users are left exposed to VPN traffic blocks. In contrast, this isn’t the case with NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN.
Fortunately, PIA isn’t in the Tatmadaw’s jurisdiction. But it’s based in the USA, one of the 14 Eyes countries. Plus, PIA hasn’t been independently audited for its no-logs claims.
Despite that, it’s unlikely that the US will impose on PIA to hand data over to the Myanmar military. Also, it maintains an open-source code that anyone can review to confirm it doesn’t log any data.
Meanwhile, I spoke with PIA support, who provided me with a PIA mirror website that works.
So, you can bypass VPN website blocks in your country by using the provider’s alternate websites.
Additionally, you can use PIA on unlimited devices simultaneously.
That’s nothing close to what Surfshark offers, but it matches the ten you get with NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Still, it has comparatively better pricing than those two providers.
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Even so, use these PIA discounts to checkout for better value.
Pros
- Servers in 91 countries
- Uses SOCKS5 proxy for multi-hopping and obfuscation
- No logs provider with open-source software
- Fast obfuscation speeds
- Dual kill switch against IP/DNS leaks
- Provides mirror websites
Cons
- No obfuscation on iOS
- No Burma local IP
- Based in the USA
- No independent no-logs audits
PureVPN – Reliable Encryption Against Myanmar Military With Quantum-Resistant Servers
PureVPN may not have any local Myanmar servers, but it provides:
- 6000+ servers in 65+ countries, the second-largest published server count on this list after NordVPN.
- Split tunneling to access local Myanmar services while encrypting sensitive apps via the VPN.
- Quantum resistant servers against live decryption by next-gen quantum computers.
Even though Microsoft confirmed the high rate of malware-infected devices in Myanmar, it’s no news that the military junta is doing everything to get into user data.
Thus, PureVPN’s quantum-resistant servers will help.
Additionally, PureVPN is one of the fastest VPN providers outside of the top three.
In fact, its obfuscation speeds beat NordVPN and Surfshark, cementing claims of having servers optimized for up to 20Gbps speeds.
However, you’ll only get obfuscation over its OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) protocols, too, falling behind ExpressVPN in that regard.
Fortunately, PureVPN doesn’t compromise security. It uses AES 256-bit security across all protocols and servers. You’ll also get a kill switch setting for protection against IP and DNS leaks.
Combined, kill switch and encryption settings ensure:
- Reliable content unblocking since online platforms see your VPN-assigned IP addresses.
- Anonymity since your internet activity is now associated with the new IP address.
- Improved online data security against the Tatmadaw, who can’t deanonymize you based on your IP address anymore.
Moving on, PureVPN is also an audited no-logs provider certified by two cybersecurity firms, and NordVPN and ExpressVPN have been through repeated independent audits too.
Speaking of, it’s also based in the British Virgin Islands like ExpressVPN.
So, PureVPN can neither be compelled to hand over user data to the Myanmar military junta nor does it have any data to submit.
Sadly, PureVPN doesn’t have mirror websites for when the provider’s main webpage gets banned in Myanmar. Thus, you’ll have to choose any of the other providers in that case.
Thankfully, this reliable yet affordable VPN supports ten simultaneous connections across PCs, mobile devices, selected smart TV sets, and supported routers.
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Also, you can grab these PureVPN discounts to save on your subscription.
Pros
- 6000+ servers in 65+ countries
- Provides obfuscation over OpenVPN protocols
- Twice audited no-logs provider
- Brings quantum-resistant servers
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption technology
- Impressive obfuscation speeds
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mirror website
- No local Myanmar servers
- No in-house protocol
The State of the Internet and Online Privacy in Myanmar
Myanmar’s internet is highly censored to remove a significant chunk of content on the world wide web. Likewise, the Myanmar military (also known as the Tatmadaw) seeks to control all aspects of users’ online experience and invade online privacy.
What Websites Are Blocked In Myanmar?
Since retaking power in a 2021 coup, the Myanmar military blocked access to sites believed to share content about:
- Pornography
- Threat to state security
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Online gambling
- LGBTQ+ content
- Online dating
- Sex education
- Critical political content
However, the military junta didn’t stop there and merely used the above list as an excuse to filter other parts of the web.
Now, there’s an inside joke about the Myanmar Wide Web (MWW), a tailored version of the world wide web for Myanmar citizens and residents.
Under the MWW, more sites that have been blocked by the military junta include:
- Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- IM apps like WhatsApp
- Foreign news websites like CNN and BBC
- Anti-web circumvention tools like VPNs, Smart DNS, and proxy service providers
- Independent news websites
- Licensed news websites
- Crypto trading platforms like Binance and Coinbase
Likewise, there are reports of a widespread ban on websites mentioning the following keywords:
- Burma
- Coup
- 8888
- Drugs
- Military government
- Human rights
- Democracy
- Student movement
Internet User Tracking and Arrests
If that’s not enough, the Myanmar military still invades user privacy to find out what you’re doing online. That way, it’s able to:
- Arrest political dissidents
- Arrest anyone who speaks against the government
- Monitor and arrest agitated citizens planning protests
- Pry into user privacy to see your texts
- Intercept files you share online
This is primarily possible since it took control of MYTEL and MPT, the biggest telecoms and ISPs in the country.
Thus, it can see what more than half of the internet users do online.
Telenor is one of the ISPs independently owned by the Norwegian government.
Still, it pulled out of the country for not wanting to conform to the military junta’s rules. However, the problem is that this ISP was sold to a group (M1 Group) with strong ties to the military.
So, your data isn’t safe with the new ATOM provider that emerged from the sale, either.
Sadly, the other independent ISPs may not be any better. After all, the Tatmadaw ordered them to install spyware on their networks some months before the coup.
So, the junta has a front-row seat to everything that happens during your internet surfing time.
Myanmar’s Invasive Cybersecurity Bill
In the middle of this draconian censorship, the junta is pushing for a new cybersecurity bill that would grant it powers to:
- Access user data without justifiable reasons
- Make ISPs keep user data in Myanmar
- Block websites at will
- Order internet shutdowns
- Imprison critics
- Arrest officials at non-complying companies
It’s scary that the Tatmadaw already does these things without a bill to back them up. So, you don’t want to see how invasive the group will get once this bill passes.
ISP Throttling in Myanmar
Meanwhile, ISP throttling and internet blackouts are a hallmark of this new junta government.
Some theories abound that the military uses this technique to contain the internet traffic to effectively analyze internet data for threats, dissidents, activists, and related activity.
In other words, you get slower speeds, and you’re also suffering privacy invasion for that!
Fortunately, you can solve most of these problems with my top VPNs for Myanmar.
In the following section, I discuss how I chose these VPNs to ensure they can tackle Myanmar’s internet security and privacy issues.
How I Chose the Best VPNs for Myanmar? (Tests & Criteria)
I streamlined a test group of 20+ VPN providers into the top five VPNs that made this list based on speed, security, privacy, and server reach.
Let’s discuss why these are important to your data security and privacy in Myanmar.
Servers
Choose a VPN with multiple servers and a massive global count to:
- Access content blocked by the Myanmar military but accessible in other countries.
- Unblock content restricted by the content provider in your region.
- Increase your chances of finding a server in your country to unblock content like home.
- Avoid server overcrowding to enjoy decent speeds on chosen servers.
- Improve chances of connecting to a working server.
Also, it’s a nice bonus to have a VPN with a local Burmese IP address like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. With that, you can:
- Secure all aspects of your local internet banking experience.
- Encrypt your banking activities in Burma using apps from Maybank, MUFG, Yoma Bank, or others without disconnecting your VPN.
- Unblock local content and stream Myanmar TV channels if you’re outside the country.
- Get faster internet speeds with speed-optimized, virtual Myanmar servers.
Finally, ensure your choice VPN is reliable enough to unblock content in different parts of the world, not just change your IP address. Fortunately, my chosen VPNs can unblock access to:
- Netflix
- BBC iPlayer
- CNN
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Crave TV
- Voot
- Disney+, and more
Speed
I chose speed as a selection criterion to tackle the ISP throttling issues in Myanmar.
While VPNs are known to cause a speed drop due to their encryption technology, speed-optimized VPNs don’t show a noticeable speed drop.
In fact, you can get better speeds than your base ISP speeds with a VPN in Myanmar.
Speaking of speed, ExpressVPN posted the best numbers here because it:
- Developed a Lightway protocol for the fastest speeds and security.
- Uses obfuscation on all protocols and remains fast enough.
PIA and PureVPN are close in the obfuscated speed category.
NordVPN and Surfshark aren’t slow either, especially when you’re not browsing over obfuscated servers. NordLynx over a nearby Singapore or Bangkok exit is what I use day to day, and I only switch to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers when the ISP is actively filtering VPN traffic.
For clarity, I tested the speeds across ExpressVPN and Surfshark on their Burmese servers (NordVPN’s newer virtual Myanmar location wasn’t part of this test). Before the test, my base ping was 42ms, and I got 19.8Mbps download speed/8.79Mbps upload speed.
| VPN Provider | Protocol | Ping (ms) | Download speed (Mbps) | Upload speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Lightway – UDP | 335 | 20.3 | 8.01 |
| Surfshark | WireGuard | 658 | 18.1 | 10.3 |
| Surfshark | OpenVPN – UDP (obfuscation-enabled) | 411 | 17.0 | 8.02 |
This test shows that ExpressVPN can get you faster than your base ISP speeds and from a location like Burma.
Likewise, the speed drop with Surfshark isn’t even noticeable, and I got better speeds than the average (2.5Mbps) in Myanmar anyway.
Security
The Burmese military has been acquiring sophisticated tech to surveil residents online and invade your privacy, so you need VPNs with a security focus to stand a chance.
So, make sure to look out for
- A kill switch. The kill switch prevents your protected devices from transmitting to the internet and leaking your actual IP/DNS if the VPN connection randomly drops.
- Reliable encryption. Your choice VPN must provide AES 256-bit encryption at the least. The technology to hack live traffic using this encryption isn’t available yet, so you’re better protected.
- Standard protocols. Standard VPN protocols for the best security and privacy include WireGuard (best for speed), IKEv2 (best for mobile), and OpenVPN (UDP & TCP).
- Special protocols. Some VPNs design unique protocols to help you get even better security and speed. For example, you get NordLynx with NordVPN and Lightway with ExpressVPN.
- Obfuscation. Obfuscation allows you to avoid firewalls set up against VPN traffic. Also, it hides your VPN usage from ISPs like Ooredoo, Mytel, and the military government.
Fortunately, my chosen VPNs offer these security additions on their servers.
NordVPN stacks the most of them: obfuscated servers, the NordWhisper protocol, Double VPN, Threat Protection, and a dual kill switch, all behind an audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN deserves a mention for keeping obfuscation on across all servers and protocols with no meaningful speed cost, on top of its audited in-house Lightway protocol.
Privacy
Privacy is a must-have on any Burma VPN since the Tatmadaw will go to any length to find and invade online user data privacy. Thus, you should consider VPNs that:
- Are outside Myanmar’s jurisdiction. Else, the military may force them to store your data locally and hand it over.
- Collect no logs. So, they don’t even have any data to hand over if compelled. Also, servers can’t be hacked to find your data since the VPN doesn’t collect any.
All VPNs that made my recommended list are outside Myanmar jurisdiction and don’t collect user data. Picks like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PureVPN have been audited more than once for these claims.
How to Setup a VPN in Myanmar?
You should enable the kill switch, choose the suitable protocol and connect to a preferred server to use a VPN correctly in Myanmar.
I discuss how to do these below.
Enable the Kill Switch
The kill switch is an essential safeguard against IP address leaks to the military junta government if the VPN randomly loses connection for a moment.
Here’s how to enable the kill switch on NordVPN, for example.
- Launch the NordVPN app.
- Click the gear icon (Settings).
- Select “Kill Switch.”
- Toggle “Internet Kill Switch” on to cut all internet access whenever the VPN drops.
- On Windows, toggle “App Kill Switch” on as well and add the apps (browser, messaging, torrent client) you want closed automatically if the connection fails.
- Close Settings. The switches stay on for every future connection.
Choose the Right Protocol
The correct VPN protocol can make all the difference.
You need different protocols for the best streaming speeds, online privacy and security, faster downloads, and bypassing firewalls or harsh censorship.
Most VPN providers have the protocol set to Automatic and choose the best one based on your internet activity. However, you need to know what each VPN protocol is best for in case the Automatic selection doesn’t work.
Connect to a VPN Server
Once you enable the kill switch and select a suitable protocol, complete the process by connecting to a secure server location.
The server you choose is dependent on what you want to do.
For example
- Unblocking Content? Choose a server located in the region where that content is available.
- Downloading torrents? Connect to P2P-supported server locations.
- Bypassing ISP Throttling? Select a fast server, which is usually the recommended server.
- Browsing local web securely? Go with a local Myanmar IP address.
Here’s how to choose and connect to a preferred server on NordVPN.
- Buy a NordVPN subscription and log in with your credentials.
- Hit Quick Connect to connect automatically to the fastest server in the VPN app.
- OR type a preferred country into the search box above the server list.
- Click the country to get its best city/server, or expand it to pick a specific city.
- Wait for the connection confirmation.
- You can now browse the web securely.
If you doubt whether or not the VPN is protecting you already, you can check ipleak.net to see what web servers interpret your IP address.
Suppose you get the VPN-assigned IP address back; then you’re protected.
How to Get a Myanmar IP Address?
You need a Myanmar IP address to browse the local Burmese web, unblock access to your banking apps, stream Myanmar online TV channels, and secure your local internet experience.
Here’s how to get one.
- Choose a VPN provider with a Myanmar server location, like NordVPN (virtual servers in Naypyidaw), Surfshark, or ExpressVPN. The screenshots below are from ExpressVPN; NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s apps follow the same search-and-click flow.
- Search for Myanmar/Burma from the country list.
- Double click the location.
- Wait for a connection confirmation.
- Visit ipleak.net to confirm you’re now securely browsing from a new Burma IP address.
How to Reliably Unblock Any Content in Myanmar?
You can unblock content restricted by the Tatmadaw or copyright holders from Myanmar by connecting to the right VPN server locations.
The table below shows the favored server locations to use in specific scenarios. Luckily, NordVPN’s 150 countries cover every one of these server locations.
| Blocked Content | Preferred Unblocking Servers |
|---|---|
| Social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) | United States, Canada, and the UK |
| IM apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) | US, UK, and Canada |
| Gambling websites | UK, Australia, and other platform-specific approved regions |
| Pornography | The UK, US, and Canada |
| Online dating | The UK, US, and Canada |
| News websites (CNN, BBC, DW, etc.) | United States |
| Crypto trading platforms (Binance, Coinbase, etc.) | Australia, Belgium, Andorra, etc. |
| Netflix | US |
| Specific Netflix library | Desired country to unblock from |
| Amazon Prime Video | US |
| Hulu | US |
| BBC iPlayer | UK |
How to Download a VPN in Myanmar?
You can download a VPN in Myanmar via your device’s official app store or the VPN provider’s website.
However, the Tatmadaw may block access to VPN service providers’ websites.
So, you may need to get the file from a friend, go via mirror sites, or try other techniques.
I discuss diverse ways to download and install a VPN in Myanmar below.
Check Your Device’s App Store
Check your local app stores for your preferred VPN apps. This option is only available on devices with native VPN app support like:
| Platform | App Store |
|---|---|
| iOS/iPadOS | App Store |
| Android | Google Play Store |
| MacOS | App Store |
| Windows | Microsoft Store |
| Chromebook | Google Play Store |
| Android TV | Google Play Store |
| Samsung Smart TV | Apps |
Use the VPN Provider’s Website
The official VPN provider’s website is an excellent choice for downloading the software for PCs and routers. Mobile users will usually be re-routed to their native app stores anyway.
This is also the best choice for Linux users since there’s no native app store on that operating system.
Use Official VPN Mirror Sites
When the Myanmar military blocks access to the official VPN providers’ websites, go through official mirror websites to download the app and manage your account without restrictions.
Speak with your VPN customer support to find if they have a mirror website you can use.
I’m sure providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and PIA maintain multiple mirror websites where users can access their services under harsh censorship.
However, never use a mirror website if you didn’t get it from a reliable source. Otherwise, you may encounter a phishing website that introduces malware to your device, steals your login credentials, and harvests your online data.
Get the Program From a Friend
Request the VPN program from a trusted friend if you can’t download it from your official app store and are having issues accessing the provider’s website.
However, this best works on PC and Android devices since installing apps from third-party sources on these is easier.
To reiterate, only get the raw file from a trusted source lest you install malware looking like a VPN.
Use Unregulated Wi-Fi Networks
Unregulated Wi-Fi network providers may not be mandated to block the same websites as regular ISPs. So, you may get access to the VPN provider’s website or the app from other sources over these networks.
This option is usually best for those traveling to embassies or their company branches in the Burmese region since they stand a higher chance of getting unregulated Wi-Fi in these places.
Can a VPN Alone Keep You Anonymous Online in Myanmar?
A VPN will improve your online data security and privacy against Myanmar ISPs and the military. Still, it’s not enough to keep you anonymous.
To retain anonymity, you must be careful not to share personally identifying information like your name, email address, and physical address.
With a VPN, you prevent your ISPs and the Tatmadaw from
- Knowing your IP address, which can link back to you.
- Seeing the files you download and share online.
- Seeing the websites you access and communicate with.
- Possibly intercepting your communication with others.
This gives you enough privacy and anonymity online, provided you don’t undo it by revealing sensitive information or leaving a data trail.
Also, you need a reliable VPN like NordVPN to maintain this level of anonymity and privacy. Otherwise, you don’t have enough encryption to keep your secure data out of the wrong hands.
Are Free VPNs Safe to Use in Myanmar?
Free VPN services aren’t safe to use in Myanmar because they lack reliable encryption for secure browsing, may leak your internet data to the military, and leave your IP address prone to tracking.
Additionally, free VPNs log your data and collect sensitive information to sell to third parties, which the Tatmadaw may be buying.
On top of that, these free VPNs are built on poor internet infrastructure, making them unsuitable for bypassing throttling from Ooredoo, Mytel, Telenor Myanmar, and other ISPs.
Finally, the lack of reliable encryption makes it impossible to unblock content seamlessly on free VPNs. Meanwhile, they don’t fare well against VPN traffic blocks and harsh censorship.
That’s why NordVPN is the best VPN for Myanmar for its balance of stealth, security, and reach. If price is an issue, you’ll get better luck with the affordable Surfshark, which also offers a Burmese IP address and unlimited device connections on an already cheap plan.
Are VPNs Banned in Myanmar?
The Tatmadaw proposed a bill that bans VPN providers and their users, suggesting a three-year jail term for anyone caught with a VPN.
Since it’s challenging to decipher VPN traffic with reliable providers like NordVPN, the military directed the police to stop users in the streets and search their phones for a VPN.
Thus, installing your VPN app only when you want to use it indoors is essential. Also, you can install your VPN on a separate device other than the one you move around with.
Or you could use app vaults to hide your VPN app whenever you’re going out, so the police don’t find the app when they look through your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a VPN in Myanmar?
You need a VPN in Myanmar to unblock access to news websites like CNN and BBC, social media websites like Facebook, and access content not available in Burma.
Also, a VPN is the best way to avoid the Tatmadaw’s invasive online tracking and surveillance, which has led to the arrests of many bloggers, activists, and regular online users.
Additionally, a VPN can help you defeat ISP throttling in Myanmar for better download/upload speeds to stream content without lag.
How Can I Get ExpressVPN in Myanmar?
You can get ExpressVPN in Myanmar by going through the official ExpressVPN website, downloading the app on your official app store, or requesting the app/program raw file from a trusted friend.
If the VPN service provider’s website is banned, use official ExpressVPN mirror websites or unregulated Wi-Fi networks to access the VPN’s platform. The same routes work for NordVPN and Surfshark, which also hand out mirror links through their support chats.
What’s the Fastest VPN Service for Myanmar?
ExpressVPN posted the fastest download in my Burma-server test, edging past my ISP’s base speed, and its obfuscation (especially over its exclusive Lightway – UDP protocol) barely costs any speed while hiding your VPN traffic from ISPs and the military’s VPN blocks.
NordVPN’s newer virtual Burma location (Naypyidaw) wasn’t part of that test, but its NordLynx protocol is what I use on a nearby Singapore or Bangkok server for throttling-free browsing, and Surfshark’s WireGuard connection finished only a couple of Mbps behind ExpressVPN on the same test.
What’s the Best VPN for Telenor Myanmar (ATOM)?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Telenor Myanmar (now ATOM) for its reliable encryption and its obfuscated servers, which hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.
It keeps your live traffic hidden from the ISP/military junta while you remain anonymous online, and its audited no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over.
Since Telenor Myanmar has now been bought by the M1 Group, which has ties to the government, it’s important to use a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN to protect yourself.
What’s the Best VPN for Ooredoo Myanmar?
You can bypass VPN traffic blocks and get faster speeds on Ooredoo Myanmar with NordVPN. Its obfuscated servers slip past ISP-level VPN filters, and it unblocks access to content (like Facebook, Twitter, Coinbase, etc.) blocked at the ISP level for an unfiltered version of the internet.
It now offers a local Burmese IP address, too, through a virtual Myanmar location in Naypyidaw (two servers).
If you need one to stream the local Myanmar TV channels (Channel 7, Channel 5, etc.) or use your local banking apps from abroad, Surfshark and ExpressVPN also have a virtual Myanmar location.
How Do I Connect to Myanmar VPN?
Connect to a Myanmar VPN by choosing a reliable VPN provider like NordVPN, select a suitable protocol, and choose your preferred server.
Remember to enable the kill switch before connecting to prevent deanonymization whenever the VPN connection briefly drops.
From inside Myanmar, a nearby Singapore or Thailand server gives you the best download/upload speeds for streaming and gaming.
If you specifically need a Burmese IP address, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all offer a virtual Myanmar location.
Can I Unblock Facebook With a VPN in Myanmar?
You can unblock Facebook with a VPN in Myanmar by connecting to a remote location like the US, Canada, UK, or others where Facebook is available.
Plus, your ISP can’t see you’re using Facebook and can’t report you to the military for bypassing censorship.
However, choose reliable VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN to enjoy unblocking and privacy from your ISP.
What’s the Best VPN for Mobile in Myanmar?
NordVPN is the best VPN for iOS and Android mobile device users in Myanmar for its easily navigable app featuring reliable encryption, high-speed servers, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, and secure protocols.
NordVPN also includes Threat Protection to block ad trackers, malware, and other trackers dangerous to your online privacy and security.
What’s the Best VPN for PCs in Myanmar?
NordVPN’s PC app features 7,000+ ultra-fast servers, reliable encryption protocols, and privacy features to protect your internet experience, including a dual kill switch and specialty obfuscated and Double VPN servers.
You can also set up split tunneling to keep local Myanmar apps on your regular connection while the VPN secures everything else.
Finally, the PC app is easy to use and connects you to fast, secure servers in seconds.
It’s Time to Beat the Tatmadaw!
Don’t let the Tatmadaw determine what content you see online or what platforms you can access. Also, it shouldn’t invade your online privacy to collect any data about what you do online.
So, get NordVPN for obfuscated servers that beat the VPN ban, Double VPN and Threat Protection for extra layers of privacy, an audited no-logs policy the junta can’t touch, and 7,000+ servers with fast exits next door to bypass throttling.
Use these NordVPN discounts while they last to get the best deal on your subscription.
