WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the best encrypted messaging apps. It allows for free video/audio calls, as well as text chatting with end-to-end encryption. Because of this, the service is often banned in many countries, prompting many to look for the best VPN to unblock WhatsApp.
As we speak, this service isn’t usable in the UAE, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, China, and plenty of other countries. While it does work in some countries, some of its functionalities are unavailable. This mainly has to do with voice/video calls that people often use.
Either way, it’s clear that a WhatsApp VPN is needed if you have any of these problems. And today, our team did all the heavy lifting for you. We’ll present you with the top 5 VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in any country in 2024.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp in 2024
Our list below consists of premium services that we use with WhatsApp. We intentionally avoided free VPNs for reasons mentioned later. But basically, to ensure you can actually unblock this messaging app, using a premium VPN is always better due to lots of possibilities and features.
Not only that but premium providers also offer unlimited bandwidth and much faster speeds. This will allow you to enjoy video and voice calling without limits. With that said, here’s our in-depth list of the top 5 WhatsApp VPNs for 2024.
1. ExpressVPN
By far the most dependable choice for today is ExpressVPN. The provider uses obfuscation to mask your VPN connection, making it suitable for unblocking WhatsApp in the UAE, Iran, China, and many other countries. On top of that, this is the fastest provider you can buy.
We can contribute that to its 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, along with the Lightway VPN protocol. This protocol delivers stunning performance, thanks to cutting-edge 10+ Gbps servers distributed across 160 cities worldwide. ExpressVPN is also pretty secure.
It uses 256-bit encryption followed by an automatic kill switch and superb IP/DNS leak prevention. This will help you anonymize your traffic and make sure your ISP never spies on your chatting sessions. Even better is that ExpressVPN truly stores no logs.
Audited by KPMG, Cure53, and PwC, this company adheres to its stringent no-logs policy thanks to its British Virgin Islands jurisdiction. This allows it to not store information related to your IP, DNS queries, browsing history, and geolocation.
WhatsApp is pretty versatile, working on both desktop and mobile platforms. Well, ExpressVPN is the same, with impeccable apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. With it, you can use WhatsApp with a VPN no matter the device, thanks to ExpressVPN’s excellent optimization.
As the best VPN for WhatsApp, ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest. However, our team gives you the option to get a 49% discount and 3 free months for its annual plan. This also comes with a 30-day refund policy for all plans, so if you want, you can test it risk-free. You have nothing to lose and much to gain!
Unblock WhatsApp Anywhere With ExpressVPN
Pros
- The fastest speeds for video and voice calls
- No connection logs
- IPv6/DNS leak protection
- 3,000 servers in 160 cities
- Military-grade encryption
- Lightway and OpenVPN protocols
Con
- It lacks an ad blocker
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost isn’t using obfuscation like ExpressVPN, so it won’t work in China. But, from our personal experience, we can confirm it’ll work in the UAE without issues. Being among the best VPNs for WhatsApp, CyberGhost is pretty fast and offers 9,500+ servers in 91 countries.
Users are especially impressed with its WireGuard protocol, which drastically enhances the performance and speeds. When using it, our team enjoys endless WhatsApp calls, with quality sound and video throughout. On top of that, CyberGhost isn’t shy of displaying its phenomenal features.
256-bit encryption aside, the provider uses IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch to ensure your privacy. Another feature is there, and it’s an ad blocker that kicks annoying ads out of your way. Its split tunneling feature is yet another interesting addition, and so is Private DNS.
We like its streaming/torrenting servers that perfectly complement a WhatsApp VPN like this one. Plus, CyberGhost has NoSpy servers in Romania, which are operated directly by the company, making them a rest haven for users who want privacy/security first and foremost.
No doubt, CyberGhost is better than any free VPN usable in the UAE for WhatsApp. It will help you unblock the platform in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia properly, all while adhering to a no-logging policy audited by Deloitte. All of this actually isn’t expensive. CyberGhost is shockingly cheap, even!
The provider packs a 45-day money-back guarantee for all plans, while the monthly plan is covered by a 14-day refund policy. However, its longest plan sits at around $2 a month, making the service extremely attractive for budget-oriented users.
Use WhatsApp Limitlessly With CyberGhost
Pros
- Streaming/torrenting servers
- It can block ads
- NoSpy servers based in Romania
- Unlimited traffic
- Works on all WhatsApp-friendly platforms
Con
- The lack of obfuscation is problematic in China & Iran
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is a household name in the industry, with plenty of amazing features to behold. For a start, this VPN for WhatsApp sports 5,500+ servers in 60 countries. That’s not all. NordVPN uses obfuscated servers, which help unblock WhatsApp in ANY country.
We tested it in China, the UAE, Pakistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries with great success. In addition, NordVPN has Double VPN servers, which can double your encryption and make you even safer on the internet. Let’s not forget about its fast speeds, owing to the NordLynx protocol.
If you’re interested in using WhatsApp in Iran, for example, NordVPN will show no signs of slowdowns when using video/voice calling. Also, the provider comes with a proprietary DNS server, making sure your DNS requests are handled by it, and not your logging-heavy ISP’s server.
Additionally, NordVPN’s security features are plentiful. Threat Protection is among the biggest additions, with the ability to remove viruses, malware, and ads. There’s Meshnet as well, which you can use to host and join LAN parties with full encryption and security.
Needless to say, military-grade encryption is in place, along with an advanced kill switch and DNS leak protection. NordVPN’s P2P servers for torrenting are still here, plus, the VPN is surprisingly reliable for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and other popular services.
The only downside is that it’s more expensive in some countries because of value-added taxes. Still, it’s pretty affordable in most cases, offering a 2-year plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thus, using NordVPN is truly without risk of losing money, which is why it’s one of the top WhatsApp VPNs in 2024.
Get NordVPN for WhatsApp Calls
Pros
- Threat Protection on all devices
- Double VPN
- Excellent for streaming
- 5,500+ servers
- SmartPlay
Cons
- It’s expensive in some countries (VAT)
- Some connection problems on Windows
4. Surfshark
Surfshark represents an inexpensive VPN for WhatsApp that you can use in any country. Unblocking VoIP and messaging services with it is simple, as it has 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Even better is the NoBorders mode, which obfuscates your VPN traffic, allowing it to work under heavy censorship.
Surfshark’s highlight is the number of simultaneous connections. There’s actually no limit, which enables unblocking WhatsApp on any device. While its Windows app is the best, we appreciate its iOS/Android apps that have some amazing features, even including GPS Override.
Moreover, Surfshark is using WireGuard which enhances connection stability, albeit, with not the best performance on the planet. On the good side, the VPN is safe and secure, thanks to AES-256 encryption and features like MultiHop, IP Rotator, and IPv6/DNS leak prevention.
Its kill switch has occasional issues – very rare – but in general, it’s working pretty well. Not to mention Surfshark’s incredible torrenting and streaming capabilities, which make this provider popular for entertainment. For example, it can unblock popular Prime Video catalogs – not an easy feat.
On top of everything, Surfshark offers some useful extras. They include a dedicated IP address, a Whitelister (split tunneling), and customization in the form of dark/white themes. Paid extras include antivirus, true incognito mode, and Alerts, serving as a dark web monitor.
Speaking of paying, Surfshark is all but expensive. We recommend its 2-year plan with the cheapest price, which, along with other plans, boasts a 30-day money-back guarantee. With this in place, it’s highly recommended to at least try Surfshark. We’re sure you won’t regret it.
Access WhatsApp Freely With Surfshark
Pros
- NoBorders mode
- MultiHop servers
- Inexpensive subscription plans
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Its speeds aren’t the fastest
- Seldom problems with the kill switch
5. Private Internet Access
Finally, there’s Private Internet Access – a mighty good VPN for WhatsApp. Thanks to unlimited traffic, PIA VPN allows for unlimited WhatsApp calling almost anywhere. It possesses 30,000 servers in nearly 90 countries, along with obfuscation to get over light censorship – the VPN isn’t working in China!
Still, Private Internet Access can be used in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries to access this VoIP app’s functionalities. This US-based VPN is known for a no-logging policy audited by Deloitte, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, PIA is extremely secure, even offering some advanced features.
We’re talking about port forwarding, Shadowsocks/SOCKS5 proxies, and the option to choose MTU size and the port you’re using. Protocols in the app include WireGuard and OpenVPN, while PIA relies on its MACE feature to block ads and malicious sites.
PIA also offers unlimited connections, with decent apps for all platforms. Keep in mind that the VPN isn’t the fastest and its streaming capabilities are far from the best. The good thing is that it’s really cheap and offers flexible subscription plans that most can afford.
Its longest plan is just a tad cheaper than CyberGhost, albeit, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For this price, you’re getting 24/7 live chat support as well, plus the ability to download torrents anonymously if that’s your typical online activity.
Being at the end of this list of the best VPNs for WhatsApp, PIA surely has some downsides. Its Windows app isn’t the most optimized, its performance isn’t mind-blowing, and there’s no native Firestick TV client. But hey, for this price, you’d be ignorant to expect anything more.
Pros
- Obfuscation works well
- The cheapest VPN on the list
- Port forwarding
Cons
- No VPN app for Firestick
- Its performance could be better
- Based in the USA (5 Eyes)
Why Should I Use a VPN for WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is an end-to-end encrypted messaging service, which is already pretty secure. However, there are many reasons to still use a WhatsApp VPN, including:
Unblocking WhatsApp in Restricted Countries
The #1 reason to use a WhatsApp VPN is to unblock it in some of the restricted countries. As said, this VoIP service is restricted in MANY countries, such as North Korea, China, Iran, Syria, the UAE, and dozens of others. Downloading it on your app store won’t be possible there.
However, connecting to a VPN server in another country will fix the problem. Simply get an IP from the country where this app works and you’ll find it on the app store. Download WhatsApp while using the VPN and enjoy limitless calls and messages wherever you are!
Getting Additional Encryption
In spite of its strong encryption, WhatsApp only affects your in-app conversation. With a VPN, you can get another layer of encryption that affects ALL traffic – outgoing and inbound. This allows for the highest level of anonymity and privacy at any given moment.
Conversely, it’ll also allow you to fully hide your chat history from the ISP, who might want to spy on it in some of the censored countries.
Unlock Voice and Video Calls
In some countries, using a VPN for WhatsApp will help you alleviate partial blocks. Qatar and the UAE will allow you to use text messaging in this app while preventing voice and audio calls. With a VPN for UAE, for example, you can remedy this problem and unblock all features.
Once again, the key is to connect to a server overseas, in the country where the app works properly. And from here, it’s easy to engage in calling, thus, enjoy uninterrupted sessions with your friends and family.
Prevent ISP Throttling
ISP throttling can seriously impact internet performance. It can slow down your speed and make your calls sluggish and prone to disconnect. A VPN is a cure to this, as it encrypts your traffic and makes you invisible to your ISP, who then can’t affect your connection in any way.
With a fast provider like ExpressVPN, you can browse and enjoy all internet activities at full speed, without the ISP ruining the experience.
WhatsApp Not Working With a VPN: Possible Fixes
Using the top VPN for WhatsApp ensures you won’t be having any annoyance. However, some people use lower-quality services that tend to create some problems. For example, many connect to a VPN only to find that it still isn’t working with WhatsApp.
Unfortunately, there can be plenty of issues, such as:
- The lack of obfuscation of the VPN you’re using.
- Cache and cookies that reveal your location.
- The VPN server is blacklisted by the Internet Service Provider.
- Various problems with the WhatsApp application.
For the start, you can try to update WhatsApp to eliminate this factor. If this isn’t working, try using another VPN server and check if everything is working. Alternatively, you can also switch to another protocol and try enabling obfuscation if the VPN has it.
In your browser, you can try clearing your cache and cookies to prevent your original location to be revealed. And if nothing works, it’s time to get a VPN that has obfuscation and isn’t working. CyberGhost doesn’t work in China, for instance, so in this country, the VPN is useless.
If you’re using CyberGhost, you can then try ExpressVPN, as it comes with obfuscation on all servers. Sometimes, just using a better VPN can fix all the problems if the aforementioned solutions aren’t giving any results.
Why Do Some Countries Block WhatsApp?
Having in mind WhatsApp’s encryption and the inability of the ISP to monitor your conversations, it’s easy to see why some countries frown upon it. However, each country has different reasons for blocking WhatsApp, although they mostly rely on the same premises.
All of the countries we mentioned have one thing in common – censorship. They have, actually, another thing in common – government surveillance. The UAE, for example, has two local telecom operators – Du and Etisalat. They developed their proprietary apps for voice/video calling.
Thus, to promote them, WhatsApp is partially blocked to force users to call using C’me and BOTIM. Also, these two apps allow the ISP’s direct access and insight into your conversation, while WhatsApp doesn’t. The situation is very similar in Qatar where you can also use a VPN.
North Korea, on the other hand, doesn’t want people to use encrypted VoIP apps, as it prevents the authorities from monitoring them. Syria blocks WhatsApp because it’s used by the rebels to plan and organize their anti-government protests.
In China, we’re talking about country-wide censorship, which involves blocking thousands of websites and apps, so WhatsApp is just another one in a row. To digress, we can say countries block this app because of its encryption, which prevents further monitoring by the ISPs and authorities.
Free VPNs for WhatsApp: Do They Really Work?
At the start of this guide, we mentioned we don’t recommend using free services for this messaging application. Don’t get us wrong. There are still some decent free providers but if we compare them side-by-side to paid providers, we’ll see a huge gap.
Free VPNs don’t offer obfuscation, yet, most of the countries where WhatsApp isn’t working are censored. Thus, they most likely won’t work in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and many other countries. On the other hand, free VPNs work in the UAE and Qatar.
This means you can, theoretically, use them for this purpose. To be honest, some free VPNs will work with WhatsApp and we’ll present the two that we recommend. You will see their limits and shortcomings, which paid providers on our list don’t have.
Atlas VPN
A premium service by default, Atlas VPN is renowned for its privacy, security, and solid performance. It offers a completely free plan with 5 GB of monthly traffic and only 3 server locations in the US and the Netherlands. Do you see the problem already? Limited bandwidth!
While it does work in many censored countries, you’ll be irritated by just how small 5 GB of traffic is. A few video calls and you’ll most likely spend a gigabyte or so. And if we’re talking about longer calls, then 5 GB of monthly bandwidth will vanish in two-three days.
Let’s not lose from our minds that Atlas VPN doesn’t allow for simultaneous connections and lacks many premium security features. Its premium version is superior, albeit, it’s not worth buying when CyberGhost is priced almost the same but much better.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN comes with unlimited traffic, WireGuard support, and a great kill switch. It stores absolutely no logs like Atlas VPN, unlike many typical unsafe free providers. However, the provider offers servers only in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan, making it quite limited.
Another issue is that ProtonVPN is slow. Yes, it’s a slog to use at times due to server overload, typical for free VPNs. Much like the previous provider, it lacks simultaneous connections and offers no streaming/torrenting servers, so any entertainment and media consumption is a no-go.
Don’t expect it to perform like Usain Bolt when it’s your backyard snail. And if you’re willing to go for a premium plan, don’t. It’s pretty expensive even when talking about the longest plan. Instead, choose ExpressVPN if you’re willing to spend some money in the end.
Is Using the Best VPN for WhatsApp Legal?
This is a complex question to which the answer depends on the country. Generally speaking, yes, it’s legal to use a VPN for WhatsApp. Let’s say you’re in the UAE and you’re using a VPN while text-chatting through this application.
In this case, you’re doing nothing wrong, as you’re just adding another layer of encryption and ensuring your online privacy. On the flip side, WhatsApp calling is blocked in the UAE, so unblocking this functionality is against the regulations.
That said, we can perhaps consider this illegal, although we haven’t heard of anyone getting arrested or fined for something like this. Now, if you’re abusing WhatsApp’s encryption and VPN’s security for illicit purposes, that might end up badly for you.
However, even in this case, we’re not talking about hacking or breaching the app. Simply put, a person you’re talking to can report you to the police, especially in group chats, and this can cause trouble. Even if this isn’t the case, performing illicit activities is illegal either way, with or without a VPN.
As long as you’re adhering to the laws and legislation of your country, you should have no problems enjoying a WhatsApp VPN.
Conclusion
To conclude, unblocking WhatsApp with a VPN isn’t such a hard thing to do. Everything revolves around using the right VPN, connecting to a server overseas, and enjoying free and unlimited voice/video calling anywhere.
We recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the most reliable choice but rest assured, other providers have exceptional qualities as well. All of them offer no bandwdith limits, all while ensuring top-notch performance with impeccable security & privacy.
In the end, we leave the final choice to you. It’s time to take a pick and use one of the best VoIP services on the planet without restrictions.
