Guide to the Best VPN for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s digital landscape is evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for internet users. With increasing online restrictions and concerns about privacy, finding the right VPN (Virtual Private Network) is crucial for accessing unrestricted content and ensuring online security. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top VPN services tailored to meet the specific needs of users in Kazakhstan.
Is Using a VPN Legal in Kazakhstan?
Personal use: Encrypting internet traffic for privacy and security reasons is generally considered legal in Kazakhstan.
Accessing geo-restricted content: Accessing content unavailable in Kazakhstan due to licensing agreements might fall into a legal gray area. While not explicitly illegal, it’s best to proceed with caution and awareness of potential content restrictions.
Why Use a VPN in Kazakhstan?
There are multiple reasons why one might consider using a VPN in Kazakhstan:
- Privacy Protection: A VPN can provide the secure and encrypted tunnel you need for your digital communications, safeguarding your data from prying eyes.
- Access Geo-Restricted Content: With a VPN, you can bypass geographic restrictions on certain web content and applications. That means unrestricted access to global entertainment and news platforms.
- Improved Internet Speed: Interestingly, many users notice an improvement in their internet speed when using a VPN. On average, the internet speed in Kazakhstan is 41 Mbps Mbps without a VPN, and this jumps to 28 Mbps Mbps when using a VPN. That’s a testimonial to the efficiency of these services.
Content Rich Channels In Kazakhstan you can access via VPN
By Viewership Share:
- Qazaqstan: The state-owned national channel holds the largest viewership share, offering a mix of news, entertainment, and cultural programs.
- Channel One Eurasia: Popular for entertainment content, particularly Russian-language shows and series.
- Khabar: Another major news channel focused on Kazakhstan and international news.
- NTK TV: Known for its investigative journalism and political commentary.
- Kanal 7: Offers a mix of entertainment, news, and talk shows.
By Online Ratings on YouTube Channels::
- “Simbochka Pimbochka” (children’s content)
- “TheKateClapp” (comedy and vlogs)
- “YOLO HOUSE” (entertainment and music)
- “bip_house” (entertainment and comedy)
Streaming Platforms:
- Viki: Offers various Korean and Chinese dramas with Kazakh subtitles.
- iQIYI: Provides Chinese dramas and variety shows with Kazakh subtitles.
- Netflix: Growing popularity for international content with Kazakh dubbing and subtitles.
What to Consider When Selecting a VPN?
While choosing a VPN service, one must consider the following:
- Encryption: A good VPN should offer top-notch encryption to safeguard your privacy.
- Server Count: More servers mean more options for you to choose from.
- No-logs Policy: This ensures that your VPN provider is not keeping any of your internet usage logs.
- Streaming Performance: A reliable VPN should be able to provide seamless streaming performance.
Comparing Top VPN Services in Kazakhstan
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) provider known for its strong security, fast speeds, and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
- Strong Security: ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption protocols and a no-logs policy to protect your online privacy and security. Ideal for online banking, browsing public Wi-Fi, and accessing geo-restricted content.
- Fast Speeds: Boasting a global network of high-speed servers, ExpressVPN ensures reliable and fast connections for streaming, downloading, and browsing.
- Global Server Network: With servers in over 94 countries, you can easily connect to locations worldwide and bypass geo-restrictions on websites and streaming services.
- User-Friendly Interface: ExpressVPN has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use for users of all technical levels.
- Multiple Device Support: Connect multiple devices simultaneously with a single ExpressVPN subscription, suitable for families and individuals using multiple devices.
- 24/7 Customer Support: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email to assist with any questions or issues.
Cons:
- Price: ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPN providers on the market. While its features justify the price for many users, it may not be the best option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Trial Period: Unlike some other VPN providers, ExpressVPN offers a relatively short 30-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) provider known for its affordability, ease of use, and emphasis on privacy.
Pros:
- Strong Security: CyberGhost uses military-grade encryption protocols and a no-logs policy to protect your online privacy and security. Suitable for basic browsing, streaming, and general online activity.
- Large Server Network: Boasting a vast network of servers in over 90 countries, CyberGhost offers flexibility and options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Fast Speeds: While not consistently as fast as some premium competitors, CyberGhost generally delivers reliable and sufficient speeds for most online activities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use, even for less tech-savvy users.
- Multiple Device Support: Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with a single CyberGhost subscription, making it a great choice for families and individuals with multiple devices.
- Affordable Price: CyberGhost is a very cost-effective VPN option, offering monthly and annual plans at competitive prices.
- Additional Features: CyberGhost boasts features like ad blocking, malware protection, and Wi-Fi protection, adding another layer of security and convenience.
Cons:
- Privacy Concerns: While CyberGhost claims a no-logs policy, they are located in Romania, which falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union’s data retention laws. This might raise privacy concerns for some users.
- Limited Streaming Capabilities: Although it can bypass some geo-restrictions, CyberGhost might not be the most reliable option for accessing all streaming services in all regions.
- Customer Support: While available, customer support might not be as readily accessible or comprehensive as with some other top-tier providers.
| Pricing (as low as) | Money back | Network Coverage | Multi login | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/m | 30 – days | Servers in 94+ Countries | 8 Connections |
| Cyberghost | $2.19/m | 45 – days | Servers in 91+ Countries | 7 Connections |
| Nord VPN | $3.19/m | 30 – days | Servers in 60+ Countries | 6 Connections |
| SurfShark | $2.49/m | 30 – days | Servers in 100+ Countries | unlimited |
VPN Usage Trends in Kazakhstan: Demographic Insights and Preferences
The use of VPNs is widespread among different age demographics in Kazakhstan, 20% of all VPN users being between the ages of 18-24 years, followed by 25% within the age of 25-34 years and 23% between 35-49 years. Men dominate the VPN usage in the country with 51% of usage attributed to them. Two major cities, Almaty and Nur-Sultan, account for 16% and 13% of VPN usage respectively.
11% of users use their VPN services daily, while 31% use it weekly. Mobile VPN usage is at 55%, with smartphones accounting for 44% and other cellular data usage accounting for 52%.
Conclusion
VPNs have become an essential tool for securing online activities and bypassing geographic content restrictions in Kazakhstan. This guide presents you with noteworthy options, namely ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, NordVPN, and Surfshark, each with their unique strengths. Understanding the utility and significance of a VPN service, it’s quite evident why their adoption is growing rapidly.
Given the multifaceted use cases of VPN services, their growing adoption isn’t surprising. Based on the trends, it’s safe to predict that VPN adoption and use will only rise in the future, making it a must-have for anyone that values security, privacy, and unrestricted access to content on the internet.
