If you do a little Google search on the richest countries in the world, you’ll see Qatar in the first place. This country is incredibly powerful, boasting one of the highest internet penetrations. However, people often look for the best VPN in Qatar for very strong reasons.
Namely, this is a Middle Eastern country, which means its internet space is under constant surveillance by the authorities. Censorship is also a serious issue here, as many websites and platforms are inaccessible. For example, watching porn in Qatar is strictly against the law.
Not to mention typical issues like geo-restrictions that won’t let you access popular streaming services. All of this begs for the best Qatar VPN in 2024 that will alleviate all your problems. It’ll encrypt your traffic, secure your connection, and make you anonymous online.
As such, you can stream on an array of platforms, avoid ISP surveillance, and access any content you want. The trick, however, is to find a good VPN for Qatar. Since we’re partly magicians, we know this trick, so we did all the heavy lifting for you to present to you our favorite VPNs in Qatar.
Why Should You Use a VPN in Qatar?
Before giving you our comprehensive list, let’s quickly talk about why using a VPN in Qatar is a good idea. We explained it briefly a second ago but let’s go more in-depth because we haven’t mentioned some things.
Bypassing Censorship
As said, censorship is a big issue here, which we also discussed in our best Iran VPN guide. This is especially prevalent when talking about freedom of speech and openly criticizing the regime. In fact, there’s one interesting thing in the report of the US Department of State.
We discovered that Qatari authorities prevent political parties to be formed in addition to not allowing for fair elections. This means the authorities choose their own people to rule the country without letting the citizens decide who they want.
Another notable example is the blocking of many sites. A few years ago, Doha News was blocked but that applies to many porn sites and platforms that go against the country’s main religion, which is Islam. While this internet state sounds terrifying, it’s not something a VPN can’t fix.
With its ability to alter your IP and make you appear as if you’re somewhere else, getting over censorship is easy. As a result, you’ll be able to access blocked sites, increase your freedom of speech, and ensure online anonymity.
Avoiding Surveillance
Speaking of anonymity, that’s an abstract term in Qatar. Because of censorship, the ISPs in this country will inherently monitor your online activities. It’s the only way of ensuring you’re boxed in and not able to cross the limits that the government placed upon you.
A VPN for Qatar is, as you can see, almost a necessity. As said, this service will encrypt your traffic, which means it’ll become unreadable to anyone who intercepts it. But the trick is that even the skilled hacker won’t be able to do that because of many other additional security features.
Even if your traffic is intercepted by, let’s say, the ISP, its content will look something like this “12893u12893z!#$%unafgz2118924z” – a garbled mess, if you will! This, in turn, means that the ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, which is why VPNs are so popular in countries like Qatar.
Torrenting Anonymously
Unfortunately, the residents of Qatar want a VPN for torrenting as well. You see, torrenting isn’t illegal in this country but it’s rather in a so-called grey area. Many media outlets claim that violating copyrights and downloading copyrighted content from torrent sites can have legal repercussions.
But to be honest, when doing our research, we haven’t found any notable cases of this. Still, you never know what to expect from a censored country. The authorities can easily change their minds without noticing the citizens and problems can arise if you’re caught torrenting.
Be warned – we don’t recommend violating copyrights and downloading copyrighted torrents! However, even when downloading free torrents, it’s great to be protected by a VPN for Qatar. With its encryption, it’ll keep you safe even from torrent sites themselves that, unfortunately, aren’t very safe.
And since we’re talking about P2P activities, your IP is going to be exposed to other users. But with a safe VPN, that problem is immediately fixed, whether you’re in Qatar or elsewhere.
Streaming Without Restrictions
Qatar is home to many quality TV channels. But the problem arises when trying to watch HBO, Netflix US, Disney+, and other services. Users are deprived of these platforms since they’re available in the US, with a few exceptions here and there.
The point is that they’re not available in Qatar, which prevents its residents from enjoying some of the best content online. Changing an IP address with the best VPN for Qatar is a great solution to put this issue to sleep once and for all.
Once you connect to a server in the US, accessing this content will be a piece of cake. Not to mention the ability to watch foreign TV channels and even local Qatari channels abroad. If you find yourself on a vacation in a foreign country, simply connect to a Qatari VPN server and enjoy.
This doesn’t apply only to the US streaming services. Of course, if you connect to a UK server, you’ll be able to stream BBC iPlayer or 10Play if you get an Australian IP address. The possibilities are endless, as you can see, and so is the amount of bandwidth you’ll get with our top 5 choices.
Best VPNs for Qatar: Our 5 Picks for 2024
Our long-awaited 5 best VPNs for Qatar are here.
We want to clarify that we’ll focus on premium VPNs as free services aren’t exactly the best in Qatar – we’ll explain why in a few minutes. Now, without further ado, let’s divulge our list and see which providers we recommend for friendly Qatari people.
1. NordVPN
Pros
- Dark Web Monitor
- 6,400+ worldwide servers
- It works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Servers for anonymous torrenting
- Built-in obfuscation
- Fast speeds for gaming
Cons
- Expensive monthly plan
- VAT (value-added taxes) in some countries
NordVPN is a perfect choice for security enthusiasts. This great VPN has no servers in Qatar but it offers 6,400+ of them in 111 countries – more than enough. Qatari residents will love its encryption and everything we mentioned in other VPNs.
However, NordVPN offers even more. There’s Threat Protection that protects you against viruses, malware, and ads, for example. Another worthy feature is NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol that brings impressive speeds and rock-solid security to the table.
NordVPN even offers a Dark Web Monitor for protecting your personal data, and a feature like Meshnet will let you host and join secure LAN parties for gaming. Speaking of gaming, Xbox users also enjoy this VPN due to its low latency, extremely fast speeds, and above-average connection reliability.
We like NordVPN’s Double VPN servers as well. They’ll route your traffic through two servers, ensuring double encryption for added security. Even obfuscated servers are welcome, as they’re built for bypassing censorship in China, Turkey, and of course, Qatar.
NordVPN has P2P servers for torrenting and we’re impressed by its streaming capabilities. This VPN easily unblocks any platform you throw at it, being a formidable choice for Netflix or BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, it’s equipped with a no-logging policy with several audits from PwC and Deloitte.
With its proprietary DNS server plus RAM-only servers, NordVPN is among the mightiest VPNs out there. You can get this reputable VPN for Qatar through the button below and claim a special discount on a 2-year plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Enjoy Privacy & Security in Qatar With NordVPN
2. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Servers in 160 locations
- The fastest VPN
- Zero logging
- Support for routers
- Streaming/torrenting is allowed
- Unlimited traffic
Cons
- No servers in Qatar
- It doesn’t offer MultiHop
ExpressVPN is the second most reliable VPN provider in Qatar. We find its 3,000 servers in 160 locations impressive, as it’s one of the largest VPNs on the planet. Sadly, the provider has no Qatari VPN servers but that isn’t an issue if you’re in this country.
You still get 20+ locations in the US, plus the fastest speeds for streaming and torrenting. The highlight of ExpressVPN is its security/privacy business model. We’re talking about a 100% no-log VPN, which won’t store your IP, DNS requests, geolocation, browsing history, and other sensitive data.
On top of that, the provider’s encryption is bank-grade, ensuring no ISP surveillance in Qatar. To this, we should add a powerful kill switch for preventing IP leaks, along with the Lightway VPN protocol. This protocol is the best around, offering excellent stability and security at any given moment.
Needless to say, ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers and has a proprietary DNS server for handling your DNS requests. This will eliminate Qatari ISPs from the equation and prevent them from seeing your online activities. SmartDNS is also here and it’s a great companion for streaming.
All 3,000 servers are torrent-friendly, too. ExpressVPN is very easy to use, so beginners are welcome. Once you connect to its server, you can revel in streaming, torrenting, and even going on the dark web safely. ExpressVPN works on ALL devices – and we really mean ALL.
The provider can be installed on Firestick TV, Smart TV, gaming consoles, and even routers. This means you can protect every device in your household and ensure no internet activity leaks to the public eye. ExpressVPN is one of the most advanced providers you can buy, yet, so user-friendly.
It gives you 8 simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat support. Finally, we should mention its price, which is heavily discounted through our site. A 49% discount and 3 free months for the annual plan wait for you below. Click the button, get it, and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee for any plan you pick!
Use ExpressVPN in Qatar Safely
3. CyberGhost
Pros
- Servers in Qatar (Doha)
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols
- Ad blocker
- NoSpy servers operated by CyberGhost
- 45-day refund policy
Cons
- No obfuscation technology
- Slightly confusing Windows app
CyberGhost packs 12,000 servers in over 100 countries. Unlike ExpressVPN, it does have around 15 servers in Qatar. We’re talking about virtual servers in Doha that let you get a Qatari IP and access local content abroad without issues.
If you live in this country, it’s even better. I mean, you get thousands upon thousands of servers, out of which, many are optimized for torrenting and streaming. Streaming servers are pretty impressive, as they allow you to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and plenty of other services in this country.
Moreover, there are NoSpy servers we found incredibly useful many times. They’re based in Romania and CyberGhost operates them directly, which eliminates third parties and guarantees security and privacy. Speaking of which, the provider is nothing short of perfection in this regard.
Aside from 256-bit encryption, it also includes an ad blocker, DNS/IP leak protection, and WireGuard. In addition, full OpenVPN support is here and CyberGhost has an optional antivirus that can protect your PC from more dangerous threats.
CyberGhost stores no logs – an impressive feat. Its privacy policy is audited by Deloitte and the service publishes transparency reports every 3 months, which not many providers do. Like NordVPN, it’ll work on Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, and other popular platforms.
With 7 simultaneous connections, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be dissatisfied. But above all, its price is the highlight, as you can get it for around two bucks a month. There’s a 45-day refund policy too, making CyberGhost incredibly valuable for people with shallower pockets.
For more information, read our in-depth CyberGhost review.
Secure Your Online Presence With CyberGhost
4. Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited connections
- NoBorders mode
- IP Rotator
- MultiHop gives you two layers of encryption
Cons
- Not the fastest VPN
- Its kill switch has occasional problems
Surfshark is yet another affordable VPN pick in Qatar.
With 3,200 servers in 100 countries, finding the VPN location you need will be quick and efficient. This provider has unlimited connections, so in this regard, it’s the best on the list. Sure, it’s not as fast as NordVPN, and its kill switch can sometimes stop working.
But these are major issues, as we’re talking about the VPN with stellar security and commendable privacy practices. Aside from storing no logs, the provider uses military-grade encryption to secure your traffic. This best Qatari VPN also has MultiHop, which is the same as Double VPN in NordVPN.
However, you can choose entry and exit servers, which makes this functionality even better. Surfshark is, of course, great for streaming on a boatload of platforms. Its torrenting capabilities are vast and you can enjoy all types of P2P activities anonymously.
People in this country will like its ad blocker called CleanWeb, plus a feature called IP Rotator. When enabled, it’ll rotate your IP periodically to prevent you from being tracked. NoBorders Mode is a feature for bypassing censorship and obfuscating your VPN traffic – Surfshark boasts it proudly.
Much like NordVPN, it offers WireGuard but also OpenVPN. Its users can enjoy Surfshark One, a bonus security bundle with antivirus, Dark Web Monitor, and True Incognito Mode for anonymous browsing. Even better is that Surfshark offers a dedicated IP address addition!
The provider is very feature-rich and even more demanding users aren’t going to suffer. Its price isn’t on the “premium” level, which is the best thing about it. As always, you can lower it even further through our site and save some cash by claiming the exclusive discount.
5. Private Internet Access
Pros
- 30,000 servers (many in Qatar)
- Advanced security
- It stores no logs
Cons
- It could be slightly faster
- Sluggish Windows client
- No native app for Firestick
Private Internet Access is a US-based service with an impressive history. It has a no-logs policy proven in court several times, along with advanced security features that make it one of the best VPNs for Qatar in 2024. It’s actually the largest VPN on this list with an impressive 30,000 servers!
And you know what? It actually has servers in Qatar that support all of the security protocols. Now that we touched on them, PIA VPN offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. They’re complemented by AES-256 encryption which you can optionally lower to AES-128.
Additionally, the VPN supports forwarding and we like its PIA MACE feature for blocking ads and malicious sites. The provider even offers Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 proxies in addition to obfuscation needed for circumventing censorship in Qatar.
This VPN’s user experience isn’t the best on Windows due to a somewhat sluggish app. Still, it’s vital to know that it allows for torrenting and streaming, albeit to a limited extent. It won’t work with many Netflix libraries but with servers in Qatar, it will unblock Al Jazeera and Qatar TV abroad.
PIA VPN is reasonably fast – not the fastest – and its 10 Gbps servers are stable. This means no annoying disconnections and slowdowns, which, if happen, the kill switch is here to mitigate the damage and prevent IP leaks. Private Internet Access has unlimited simultaneous connections.
Despite not having a native app for Fire TV, we still like its other apps for all major platforms. And since it’s the cheapest service on this list, you surely can’t expect it to beat NordVPN or ExpressVPN. You can, however, expect some fresh discounts through the button below – does that sound exciting?
Get a Qatari IP Address With PIA VPN
Why We Don’t Recommend Free VPNs in Qatar?
At the start of this guide, we mentioned that we don’t recommend using free Qatar VPNs. There are plenty of reasons for that but the main reason is their lack of security and privacy. Free providers tend to have weaker security compared to paid services, and in a country like this, it’s a big red flag.
Having a lower level of encryption coupled with the lack of a kill switch or DNS leak protection means it’s easy to get tracked even by your ISP. While some free services are safe, like Proton VPN, many of them have zero respect for your privacy.
In addition, they have slower speeds and limited traffic – another alarming discovery for many. Free services won’t give you more than 10 GB of monthly bandwidth, while TunnelBear limits you to just 2 GB, which sounds – and is – disgraceful.
Another glaring issue comes in the form of torrenting/streaming limits. As you can guess, most free providers aren’t P2P-friendly and ALL of them are detected by streaming services. This puts you in a position where you can just browse the web and do nothing else.
Many of these providers will also sell your private data to third parties to earn money. As a result, you’re using a “free” VPN but you’re actually paying with your privacy in the background. Not to mention that free services have no servers in Qatar, so accessing local sites and platforms abroad is impossible.
We think that avoiding free VPNs in Qatar is a no-brainer at this point. Their limits are simply too strict, and due to their lack of security and privacy, people in a censored country like this wouldn’t extract many benefits – if at all.
How to Get a Qatari IP Address?
If you’re a Qatari resident on a vacation abroad, it’s good to know that you can still watch local TV channels and access banking sites. However, you need the best VPN with servers in Qatar. On our list, CyberGhost and PIA have them.
We recommend using CyberGhost, as it’s superior and offers better streaming/torrenting performance. But how to get an IP from Qatar? Well, simply follow these steps:
- Subscribe to CyberGhost (or PIA) through our site. Click the button above to get the cheapest deal, enter your email, and complete the payment. If needed, verify your email once the purchase is complete.
- Download and install CyberGhost on your device. Since it works on every platform, it’s your choice. Although, it also offers 7 simultaneous connections, so feel free to download it on all your devices.
- Open the VPN and sign in with the email/password you provided in the first step.
- Open the server list, scroll down, and find Qatar.
- On Windows/macOS, double-click on the server location to connect to it. On Android/iOS, tap once and confirm that you want to allow the VPN connection to be established.
- In a few seconds, the VPN will connect, giving you an IP address located in Qatar (check the screenshot below).
Summary
With NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and PIA, we completed our ranking of the top 5 VPNs for Qatar. These VPNs are excellent, each in its own right, boasting stellar security, uncompromising privacy, and top-grade performance.
Our favorite VPN for Qatar is NordVPN due to its reliability and impeccable quality. However, if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, consider CyberGhost as a great provider. It offers Qatar VPN servers, along with storing no logs and providing apps for all devices.
Users can also try ExpressVPN and its numerous security features or enjoy Surfshark’s unlimited connections. And if you want advanced functionalities like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy, Private Internet Access is a dependable choice for people in and outside of this country.
FAQ
Let’s quickly go over some of the questions we haven’t addressed in this guide.
Can I unblock VoIP services with a VPN for Qatar?
VoIP services like Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber are blocked in the majority of Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE (see our article on how to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE) are notable examples but Qatar is up there with them. These apps allow for encrypted voice/video chatting sessions which these authorities can’t monitor.
Instead, they implemented their own solutions that they can use for these purposes. With the best VPN for Qatar, you can indeed unblock all of them. The trick is to connect to a server in a country where these VoIP services work – the US, for instance.
This will unblock Skype, WhatsApp, and other VoIP apps and allow you to download and use them. Aside from instant messaging, you will notice that voice and video messaging now work properly, whereas, with your native Qatari IP, these functions weren’t working.
Is using a VPN in Qatar legal?
Yes! Despite everything we said in this guide, using a VPN in Qatar is legal, and not a single law forbids this practice. Keep in mind that particular ISPs will block VPN sites, making it harder or impossible to purchase the VPN in the first place.
If that’s your case, you can connect to public WiFi in a tourist zone, which is usually uncensored. From there, you can subscribe, download, and install the VPN before coming back home.
How to watch Qatari TV overseas?
To watch Al Jazeera, Qatar TV, or BeIN Sports abroad, you’ll need to have a Qatari IP. We explained how to get it and which VPNs offer it – CyberGhost and PIA. Once you have this IP, accessing these channels is possible anywhere – even in Europe or North America.