They’re sold as the ultimate solution to keep your data safe from hackers, governments, and greedy corporations. A quick fix that makes all your internet privacy concerns go away. 

But is this actually true? Kind of. 

A VPN isn’t the only tool you should use to protect your data and stay safe online. However, it’s definitely one of the most effective, and easiest to set up. 

But with so many to choose from, how do you pick the right one? After all, they all offer the same guarantees.  

Let me help. I’ve spent 100s of hours testing, reviewing, and writing about VPNs. I currently have six installed on my laptop – but you only need one. 

This quick guide will help you:

= Understand why you need a VPN, especially in Africa

= Know what to look for in a VPN

= Choose between the 3 best VPNs for Africa

= Hopefully, understand why you shouldn’t use a free VPN

So, let’s get stuck in.

Why You Need a VPN in Africa

VPNs are complicated. It’s not always clear what they do, how they work, or why you need one.

So, first, let’s break down the 5 main reasons you should be using a VPN in Africa.

Improved Data Security & Privacy

At their most basic, this is the primary dual function of a VPN: hide your data and boost your privacy online.

A VPN uses various security tools and apparatus to achieve this, many listed below. The result is a safer, more secure, and, ultimately, more enjoyable time online.

Bypassing Censorship

We all know how much many African governments love restricting the internet. Especially around elections.

By using a VPN to connect to servers outside Africa, you can access the ‘internet without borders’ and view unfiltered content from anywhere in the world. A VPN also hides most of your browsing activity, so governments can’t spy on you so easily.

Accessing Netflix (and more)

Netflix has the toughest “geo-restrictions” on the internet, and a premium VPN is the best way to get around these. However, it goes way beyond Netflix.

Many websites, apps, and online services restrict access if you’re in Africa. A VPN with 1,000s of servers around the world reduces the risk of getting blocked from a website based on your location.

Faster Internet

This may surprise you, considering VPNs require a small amount of bandwidth to work.

But here’s how a VPN can also speed up your internet.

Many internet service providers and private network providers – such as hotels – deliberately slow down internet users’ connections, based on their activity. If you’re downloading, streaming, gaming, or doing loads of video calls, you risk getting your connection throttled. This is especially true in Africa, where internet infrastructure is often limited.

I know this, because I did it to people. While managing a guesthouse in Uganda, I restricted access to Netflix, Skype, Facebook, and other sites or apps that drained our bandwidth.

Because a VPN hides your online activity, you avoid the risk of this happening to you.

Reputation Management

This mostly applies to freelancers and businesses.

Everyone is taking data privacy more seriously now. If a client or partner finds out you’re not taking necessary measures to keep their data safe, it could impact your business. Never mind if you get hacked or accidentally leak their information online.

A VPN is a simple way to boost your data privacy and provide peace of mind.

What to Look for in a VPN

Next, how to choose a VPN.

There are 1,000s out there, all offering the same thing, and it can be overwhelming.

I’ve picked the 3 VPNs listed below based on strict criteria and personal experience from many months testing them. Keep these criteria in mind any time you’re looking for a reliable VPN.

Transperancy

You should be able to quickly scan a VPN’s homepage and Privacy Policy and understand exactly how it collects your data – or doesn’t. If you find a VPN’s policies confusing or unclear, it’s usually a bad sign.

Zero-Logging Policies

A VPN should only ask for and store your most basic personal details, necessary to set up an account. Once you’ve signed up, no VPN should ever record your IP address, location, or browsing history. That way, the VPN can never share your private data, even if it wanted to.

An example from NordVPN:

Encryption Standards

Most reputable VPNs use AES-256 encryption, IKEv2/IPsec protocols, DNS leak protection, and many more complicated tools to keep you hidden. Look out for these when reading each VPN’s feature list.

An Automatic Kill Switch

If your internet connection is disrupted and it trips out your VPN, you risk data leaking out without realizing it. An automatic kill switch stops this by freezing your internet connection until the VPN has reconnected to a secure server.

Large, International Server Library

A VPN with 1,000s of global servers has many advantages. You’re guaranteed minimal disruption to your internet connection, wherever you are. Streaming services will struggle to keep up, so you won’t get blocked for using a VPN. If you travel a lot, you never have to worry about losing access to any part of the internet when you arrive in a new country.

One of the reasons ExpressVPN is so fast, is the amount of servers it has around the world, including Africa.

Location & Jurisdiction

Your chosen VPN should be based in a privacy-friendly country and far away from states that actively monitor, track, store, and share their citizens’ data with other governments. I’ve only picked VPNs based in Panama and the British Virgin Islands for this reason.

Multi-Device Protection & Simple Payment Plans

To work effectively, a VPN needs to be installed on every internet device you use.

The 3 VPNs on my list each protect numerous devices on a single subscription. You can choose a short plan, or opt for 2+ years. Regardless, you’ll get access to all the same features across numerous devices.

Each VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, as you can see in Surfshark’s price plan:

Unlimited Bandwidth

No doubt, you’ll be using your VPN to stream, download, and make video calls, along with your usual browsing. Thus, the VPN must not restrict the bandwidth it protects. This way, you don’t lose protection halfway through a movie or video call.

Builtin Adblocker

For added convenience, look for a VPN that offers a builtin adblocker. It saves you having to install one on your browser and goes undetected by websites that depend on advertising for revenue.

You’ll be spared pop-ups asking you to constantly white-list websites.

Customer Support & User-Friendly Apps

VPNs can seem incredibly complicated, especially to new users. If this is your first time using one, look for 24/7 live chat, simple installation, and user tutorial videos.

The 3 Best VPNs for Africa

Best Overall Choice: NordVPN

NordVPN is generally considered the best commercial VPN in the world, and until recently, it was the only one I recommended.

NordVPN’ssecurity features are unparalleled, along with super easy-to-use apps, and the most amount of servers in the world. NordVPN also makes it easy to switch between specialized servers built for P2P, Tor Browser, and more.

Set up is straightforward, and you can quickly program NordVPN to run in the background as soon as you open your laptop. This is also, without a doubt, the best VPN for bypassing geo-restrictions.

However, recently I’ve noticed a significant drop in the number of NordVPN servers in Africa. You’ll often have to connect to servers in the Middle East or Europe, which can result in slower speeds.

If you need consistently fast connections, ExpressVPN might be a better option.

Pros

• Consistently rated the #1 VPN by experts.
• A massive number of international servers.
• The best VPN for accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.
• User-friendly apps.

Cons

• Only has servers in 1 African country: South Africa.
• Slow speeds in some countries (for example, Ethiopia).

Best VPN for Speed: ExpressVPN

Frustrated by a significant drop in speed when using NordVPN in Ethiopia, I switched to ExpressVPN and was blown away by the difference.

If speed is a priority for you, ExpressVPN is the best choice. You may have to switch between a few servers to get around geo-restrictions on the streaming platforms, but this only takes a few minutes. Once connected, whatever you’re watching streams super-quick.

ExpressVPN isn’t just about speed. It offers industry-leading security and an enormous selection of servers – including many in Africa. This is my first choice now when I’m actually on the continent.

However, it’s also expensive.

If you can live with slightly slower speeds and don’t need fast downloads, another VPN with a lower price tag might be a better option.R

Pros

• It’s the fastest VPN on the market.
• Has a builtin speed test for individual servers. Useful for when you need fast download or upload times. 
• A huge number of African and international servers.

Cons

• The price.
• No built-in adblocker.
• It can take a while to find a server for streaming.

Best Budget VPN: Surfshark

You’ve probably never heard of Surfshark.

Its a much smaller provider than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and it hasn’t been around for very long. However, Surfshark has quickly risen to the top of most VPN rankings and is consistently voted ‘Best Newcomer.’

It’s easy to see why. Surfshark offers incredible value, with unlimited device protection for as little as $1.99 per month. The VPN’s apps are packed with premium features that rival anything offered by more expensive providers and their data security tools are just as effective.

While it can’t currently compete with more prominent VPNs on server numbers and speeds, Surfshark is quickly catching up. It has nearly doubled its server numbers since I first tested it a year ago.

I expect this trend to continue and happily recommend Surfshark to readers anywhere in Africa.R

Pros

• Unlimited device protection.
• Low price.
• Lots of features.

Cons

• Less competitive speeds.
• Fewer servers globally.
• Customer service could be improved.

Get 84% Off Surfshark

Final Thoughts

Is a VPN a good investment? Yes. 

It takes less than 10 minutes to set one up and creates a safer, more enjoyable internet experience, along with providing considerable peace of mind. 

And access to Netflix, of course.

If you’re still not sure, try one out for free on a 30-day money-back guarantee and see the difference it makes. You can always cancel your subscription and get a full refund.

Did We Leave Something Out?

Do you have a question about using a VPN in Africa that we didn’t answer? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer it.

Like the city itself, Nairobi’s coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes are incredibly diverse. But they all share one thing in common: they’re amazing spaces to work, hang out, network, and collaborate. 

We’ve picked out our favourites in every neighbourhood, so you never have to worry about finding somewhere to work. 

Pick the ones you like the best, pin them on your map, and don’t forget to pack your laptop charger.

Read more: If you want to know all about working online in Kenya, check out our quick guide, Kenya for Digital Nomads.

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Westlands

Nairobi’s downtown, Westlands is the buzzing heart of the city. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, venues, and shopping malls. You could easily arrive in Westlands in the early morning and not leave until, well, the following morning. 

While much of Westlands is quite walkable – around Sarit Centre and The Alchemist, for example – it’s surprisingly big, spread out, and not well laid out. 

Make sure you know what part of the Westlands you’ll be working in, and don’t get lost.

Jenga Leo

Jenga Leo is a top choice for coworking space in Nairobi, offering a perfect blend of work, play, and networking opportunities. Their flexible office space options cater to various professionals, providing a contemporary and expansive environment designed to boost productivity.

At Jenga Leo, you will find not only excellent coworking facilities, but also a range of services to accommodate your working needs. Their serviced private offices offer an alternative for those who prefer a more secluded workspace while still benefiting from the shared amenities.

Speaking of amenities, Jenga Leo boasts a restaurant, Jenga Jungle, where you can enjoy delicious food while taking a break from work or socializing with fellow coworkers and clients. The cozy atmosphere and quality cuisine make it an ideal spot for an informal business meeting or simply to unwind.

When you choose Jenga Leo as your coworking space, you become part of an established community of professionals, fostering growth and collaboration. The convenient location in Westlands means you will be close to other services and facilities, ensuring that your work-life balance remains in harmony.

Joining Jenga Leo presents a fantastic opportunity to thrive within a supportive and engaging environment while enjoying the flexibility of modern coworking spaces in Nairobi. So, if you are a remote worker or entrepreneur looking for a well-equipped space designed around your working needs, considering Jenga Leo could be the perfect solution.

Workstyle Africa

Workstyle Africa is a top coworking space located in Nairobi. This well-designed space is perfect for individuals and small teams looking for a professional and inspiring working environment. Dedicated to providing an excellent suite of services, Workstyle Africa aims to ensure your ideas have a solid launchpad for growth.

At Workstyle Africa, you can find serviced private offices suitable for teams of two or more. These offices come equipped with all the necessary amenities, ensuring that you have a dedicated, comfortable space for your team to work, create, and innovate.

For those in need of meeting rooms or event spaces, Workstyle Africa’s on-demand facilities have you covered. These spaces are designed to accommodate internal and client-facing meetings, conferences, and events, catering to all your professional needs under one roof.

In addition to the well-equipped workspaces, Workstyle Africa boasts a diverse community network. Members can connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

When working at Workstyle Africa, you can trust that you are in a supportive and efficient coworking ecosystem, designed to help take your ideas to the next level.

Kofisi

Kofisi Africa offers flexible workspace solutions across Africa, catering to the needs of both multinational and local enterprises. Their fully serviced offices provide reception services, security, cleaning, and hygiene checks, ensuring a comfortable and professional environment for you to work.

In Nairobi, Kofisi has a notable presence in Westlands, where they offer over 30,000 sqft of state-of-the-art, newly renovated office facilities. Keystone Park houses Kofisi’s flagship serviced offices, spanning three floors of stunning, locally designed workspaces, all offering magnificent views of the city.

Aside from private offices, Kofisi provides 12 different working zones each day, including design-led strategy rooms, ensuring a diverse range of workspace options. As a member, you are granted free access to all Kofisi Centers across Africa, allowing for seamless business travel and remote work possibilities.

Kofisi also takes pride in its network of blue-chip and multinational enterprise clients, fostering a collaborative environment for businesses to grow and thrive together. Check out Kofisi for a confident, knowledgeable, and clear workspace solution in Nairobi.

Nairobi Garage

Nairobi Garage is Africa’s largest coworking space, specifically tailored to cater to the needs of new and growing businesses. They offer a variety of office solutions, providing a flexible and innovative environment for diverse members, including SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, and larger innovative companies.

At Nairobi Garage, you will find both coworking and private office spaces. The coworking spaces offer monthly hot or dedicated desks, where you simply need to bring your laptop and choose a spot to start working. Private offices, on the other hand, are fully serviced, furnished, and secure, with quick setup and flexibility to accommodate teams of all sizes.

Nairobi Garage ensures its high-quality workspace experience through meeting rooms that can be booked from as low as 2,000 per hour. This setting gives your business the professional tone it needs to make a lasting impression.

In addition to office spaces, Nairobi Garage hosts numerous events such as networking gatherings, workshops, and corporate evenings, designed to support budding businesses in their growth journey. Furthermore, this coworking space operates 24/7, granting its members the freedom to work at their own pace and schedule.

By choosing Nairobi Garage as your coworking space, you are joining a vibrant community of like-minded professionals who are building the future of Africa’s new industries.

Mint Hub

Mint Hub, located in the heart of Westlands, Nairobi, is a top choice for those looking for coworking spaces and furnished offices. This unique, affordable, and creative space caters to various professionals, from startups and entrepreneurs to creatives and established companies. With its bright, inspirational office spaces, the Mint Hub is designed to help teams of all sizes perform at their best.

The Mint Hub offers several benefits to ensure you and your team have a productive and comfortable experience at the space. The office provides high-quality coworking spaces with flexible arrangements, including hotdesks, private offices, and meeting rooms. This allows you to choose the configuration that best suits your needs.

At the Mint Hub, you have the opportunity to network with other professionals and entrepreneurs. In fact, this coworking space is currently hosting over 50 companies and entrepreneurs, making it an excellent hub for building connections in various industries. Additionally, the Mint Hub has a lineup of events and workshops designed to provide valuable learning and networking opportunities for its members.

In terms of pricing, the Mint Hub offers reasonable rates, such as their Virtual Office Package at KSH 12,000 + VAT which can be a cost-effective solution compared to traditional office rentals.

With its strategic location, modern amenities, and a vibrant professional community, Mint Hub is an excellent option for those looking for coworking spaces in Nairobi.

The Foundry Africa

The Foundry Africa is a premier choice for coworking space located in Nairobi. As a part of their growing network and collaborative community, it aims to support the growth and development of businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. This well-designed haven is perfect for those seeking to align themselves with an international and creative community.

When you choose The Foundry Africa, you’ll benefit from a flexible workspace with all the amenities you need. Their rates are competitively priced, starting at Ksh. 20,000 per month, while offering an amazing office view and the added perk of a parking lot. This venue ensures that both your professional and practical needs are met seamlessly.

Their space in Viking House combines a creative, coworking environment with access to private and virtual offices to choose from. This means, whether you need to set up a dedicated office space or simply want a comfy and stimulating place to work, The Foundry Africa responds to your needs and preferences.

The rustic décor, adorned with wooden furniture, gives the space an elegant and comfortable ambiance. This unique space not only inspires and nurtures creativity but also helps you focus on building your business within a supportive and collaborative environment – all while keeping your financial burdens minimal.

In short, The Foundry Africa is a fantastic coworking space in Nairobi with both style and substance, ideal for growth-oriented professionals and businesses looking to thrive in a dynamic and vibrant community.

Lavington, Kilimani, and Kilileshwa

These two neighbourhoods overlap into one another, creating a large suburban area within Central Nairobi. They’re popular with the city’s American and European expat community for the quiet atmosphere, restaurants, and affordable apartments. 

Kilileshwa is also home to The Arboretum – a peaceful area of landscaped gardens that run along its border with Westland, the CBD, and Kilimani.

Lavington and Kileleshwa are dotted with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, often within walking distance of one another.

Workify

Workify is a minimalist yet comfortable coworking space in Nairobi that occupies two levels of a building across the road from Yaya Centre. Its prime location ensures easy access to various amenities in the city. The space offers a 24/7 access for full members, while day pass users can work from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm.

The space is known for its location, views, and décor. With an airy and well-lit environment, Workify provides a quiet and conducive atmosphere for remote workers and professionals to focus on their tasks. The facility is furnished with great furniture, contributing to a pleasant and professional atmosphere for users.

Workify’s signature rooftop, located near a movie theater, offers bite-sized snacks and beverages, making it a great spot for breaks and casual conversations. Apart from workstations, Workify also has boardroom spaces that cater to the needs of team meetings or client presentations.

In summary, Workify is a notable coworking space in Nairobi that offers a prime location, comfortable facilities, and essential amenities for remote workers and professionals. The space is designed to encourage productivity in a friendly and engaging environment.

Muthangari & Riverside Drive

Muthangari is an upmarket neighbourhood in the north of Nairobi, with Riverside Drive making up its southern border. 

You’ll find plenty of fancy cafes, chic coworking spaces, and modern restaurants popular with the white-collar workers and families of diplomats’ that live here. 

Always quiet and incredibly well landscaped, Muthangari has a very laid back feel and is a delightful area to work.

Ikigai Nairobi

At Ikigai Nairobi, you’ll find flexible and inspiring office spaces designed to cater to your professional needs. The modular coworking spaces and office solutions allow you to grow within Ikigai, expand across locations, or even downsize as per your requirements.

Ikigai Nairobi has multiple locations, including Westlands, Lower Kabete, Lavington, and Riverside, making it a convenient choice for your workspace. The aesthetics and sense of space at Ikigai are definitely worth mentioning. Who wouldn’t want to work in a beautiful garden-like environment?

Moreover, Ikigai Nairobi has partnered with Momentum Fitness, ensuring that you can maintain your work-life balance and stay productive throughout the day. With a variety of office solutions, cozy meetings rooms, and their design-led interiors, Ikigai Nairobi is the perfect place for you to work and collaborate with like-minded professionals.