Best VPN for Skype in 2024 & how to unblock Skype

Skype has become the de facto voice-over-IP (VoIP) service worldwide for making voice and video calls over the internet. It allows anyone in the world to create an account and start making calls to other Skype users for free, and to mobile and landlines for just pennies a minute.

In many countries, however, using Skype is either prohibited or limited. ISPs block access to Skype either at the government’s request or for their own benefit. The reasons vary from country to country. In some places, like Belize, the big telecom operators don’t want competition from over-the-top (OTT) VoIP services like Skype. In others, like Egypt, the government won’t allow Skype to operate because they cannot monitor people’s communications. Finally, some countries make it prohibitively expensive and difficult for Skype to operate. In the UAE for example, Skype has been unable to acquire the proper telecom operator license.

No matter where you are, however, you can always access Skype with the help of a good VPN service. Short for a Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in an online location of the user’s choosing. The encryption hides the contents of your online activity, and the server masks its destination.

We go into details on each of the VPN service providers that unblock Skype below, but if you don’t want to read the whole post, below are our top picks.

Best VPNs for Skype:

1. NordVPN Our top pick for a Skype VPN. Zero-logs policy and strong security. Unblocks Skype and popular streaming sites. Has tons of server options. 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Skype.
2. Surfshark Best low-cost alternative. Doesn’t keep any logs and puts user privacy first. Decent speeds, good unblocking ability.
3. ExpressVPN It works in China, UAE and other countries which block Skype. Strong security, no logs, and you can even purchase it anonymously. Fast servers and works on a wide range of devices.
4. IPVanish Good connection speeds and privacy features. Also popular with torrenters and Kodi users.
5. VyprVPN Boasts strong security and fast speeds. Look elsewhere for torrenting.
6. PureVPN Good online security and keep no activity logs.

Your ISP cannot see that you are using Skype when the VPN is enabled, but we do not encourage you to break the law in countries where using a VPN or Skype is illegal.

To narrow down the list of the best VPNs for Skype, we chose the following criteria:

• Fast, stable connections for clear VoIP communications
• Strong encryption
• No logs policy
• Apps for multiple operating systems

Best VPNs for Skype

These are the best VPN service providers for accessing Skype from any country.

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

NordVPN operates servers locations in over 60 countries and allows up to six connected devices at once. Some of those servers are optimized for torrenting and improved digital privacy (Tor over VPN, double VPN). Strong encryption is used on all connections and the company is constantly enhancing its security offering. NordVPN maintains a strict zero-logs policy on both traffic and metadata. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

BEST VPN FOR SKYPE:NordVPN is our first choice. With a large range of servers and high speeds, this is a good all-rounder option that unblocks Skype and most other VoIP services. Great privacy and security credentials. Offers a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our detailed NordVPN Review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

Surfshark operates more than 3,200 servers in 60+ countries worldwide. It’s fast enough for most purposes (although there is the occasional slow server) and capable of unblocking Skype from almost anywhere. Your connection is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. Surfshark offers a NoBorders mode that lets you bypass country-wide blocking, and it even works in China. Apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and MacOS but it can also be manually configured for use with supported home routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark places major emphasis on privacy. With a no-logs policy, low price point, and NoBorders feature designed for use in countries with widespread internet blocking, it’s ideal for Skype calls. What’s more, a 30-day money-back guarantee is included.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN optimizes every one of its servers in all 94 countries it operates in, so you should never have a problem with call quality. The provider uses high standards of encryption and authentication, including perfect forward secrecy. It keeps no traffic logs and minimal, non-identifying metadata logs. Well-designed, easy-to-use apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux (command line), and certain wifi routers. ExpressVPN works in countries such as China, the UAE and others where Skype and many VPNs are blocked from working. Great for video conferencing and instant messaging.

ExpressVPN is also a great option for streaming and works with major platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus and many more.

ANONYMOUS CALLING:ExpressVPN is a strong choice. Reliably unblocks Skype as well as many other VoIP apps. Top performer with unblocking streaming services. Hard to beat on online privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. IPVanish

Unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

IPVanish also owns all of its physical servers worldwide, guaranteeing you speed with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps. It comes packaged with a no-logs policy and military-grade encryption. Users can enable some privacy settings including IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and traffic obfuscation. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

SECURE ALL YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for Skype users, and folks who need the highest standard of digital privacy, but look elsewhere if you want to unblock popular streaming content. 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish Review.

5. VyprVPN

unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

VyprVPN owns and operates all of its own servers and network equipment, unlike most other providers who rent out from third parties. That means better privacy and performance, ensuring clear audio and video quality when using Skype. For those concerned about government surveillance, an optional “Chameleon” protocol promises a stealthier connection than what you get with the standard OpenVPN protocol. The company keeps no traffic logs but does store some metadata. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

Has an easy set up:VyprVPN is user friendly. Works well with Skype and other popular VoIP services. Good performer but a bit pricey. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full VyprVPN review.

6. PureVPN

unblocks skypeTested Dec 2024

PureVPN boasts a huge range of servers across 78+ countries. The company uses 128-bit AES encryption, which isn’t as strong as its rivals but it’s plenty strong enough for the vast majority of users. No traffic logs are stored on company servers. Connection speed is excellent and the apps are easy for novice’s to pick up quickly. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Android, and DD-WRT wifi routers.

EASY TO USE:PureVPN has a great app. Good for unblocking Skype connections. Offers strong security and privacy settings. It pegs some fast speeds but can have some connection issues. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth PureVPN Review.

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How to unblock Skype with a VPN

If you’re in a place where Skype is blocked, follow these instructions to unblock it with a VPN.

Here’s how to unblock Skype from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Sign up for one of the VPNs recommended below. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app for your device.
3. Open the app and select a server in a country where Skype is not blocked.
4. Hit the Connect button.
5. Wait a few moments for the connection to complete.
6. Open Skype and use it as you normally would.
7. That’s it! You can now use Skype without restrictions through the VPN connection. Make sure to enable your VPN’s leak protection and kill switch to ensure no Skype data escapes the encrypted VPN tunnel.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for using Skype abroad

Not just any VPN will work with Skype, especially if you’re traveling in a country where VoIP services are normally inaccessible. That’s why we’ve put together a set of strict criteria that VPNs must meet to even be considered for a spot in our list. You’ll find this below, along with a brief explanation of why each is so important:

• Lots of supported countries: There are two reasons why this is so important. First, you’ll usually get a more stable connection using a server that’s nearby. Second, this allows you to access a wide variety of services, even those that aren’t usually available where you are.
• Reliable speeds: Video chats can be fairly data-intensive, with slower connections causing lag, audio that cuts in and out, or even dropped calls. We’ve speed tested dozens of VPNs, however, and can safely say that all of those above are fast enough.
• Strong security features: VPNs are privacy tools above all else. To ensure your communications remain private, we look for services with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, as well as a no-logs policy. Obviously this is just a baseline; we strongly prefer providers that include even more security tools.
• Solid unblocking ability: The ability to evade detection can help you use platforms like Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Hulu abroad. However, it can also unblock Skype in countries with strict online censorship, leaving you free to communicate with those back home.
• Ease of use: Anything that makes the VPN easier to use is a huge plus. This might be servers optimized for even greater privacy, free 24/7 customer support, or even just a lack of connection limits.
• Value for money: We look at a number of things when assessing value for money, including subscription costs and money-back guarantees. We also consider the number of simultaneous device connections for account sharing.

Check out our detailed guide to how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Will using a VPN with Skype protect me from government surveillance?

Skype calls and messages are encrypted, but not end-to-end. The service uses strong 256-bit AES encryption and unbreakable 2,048-encryption keys. Instant messages are sent using either TLS or AES encryption. The only thing that’s not encrypted is the part of a mobile or landline call that travels over ordinary phone networks (PSTN).

However, despite that encryption, reports have surfaced suggesting certain governments listen to Skype users’ conversations.

In 2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the NSA had widespread access to voice and video calls on the service which were presumed to be encrypted. Even before Skype was acquired by Microsoft, Snowden showed the company was working with the NSA. Since it was acquired in 2011, the amount of information being collected has tripled and now includes video.

We now know that American, Russian, and Chinese officials can eavesdrop on Skype conversations. While the exact method isn’t abundantly clear, we have a pretty good idea of how it works. Normally, when you call or message someone on Skype, that data is encrypted using a session key randomly generated on your computer. That key is sent to the recipient so that only they can decrypt it.

When a government authority requests, however, Skype can covertly switch the session key on your device for one generated on Skype’s servers. When the voice, video, and message data passes through Skype’s servers, they can then intercept it and decrypt it for the authority to see.

So, will a VPN protect you from this? Probably not, to be frank. It’s not clear what Microsoft’s procedure is on this. If you connect to a VPN and change your IP address to a country that’s not Russia, the US, or China, then it’s possible you would be exempt from being spied on. But it’s also just as likely that Microsoft will hand over information on demand no matter where you are located.

If you want to use Skype, your data must pass through Microsoft’s servers without VPN encryption at some point. There’s simply no avoiding this. If this is a deal-breaker, try an alternative VoIP service.

Note that this tactic is probably not used on a mass scale for bulk data gathering. It would most likely happen on an individual, case-by-case basis only when requested by authorities.

China users: don’t use TOM Skype

If you live in China and go to the Microsoft website to download Skype without a VPN, you’ll have a good chance to end up with TOM Skype. While it looks more or less the same, TOM Skype is a China-compliant version of Skype that allows Chinese authorities to independently spy on and censor conversations.

Instead, connect to a VPN and download the international version that Chinese authorities can’t crack, at least not without Skype’s explicit permission and assistance.

Tip: The Chinese government blocks many VPNs. We maintain a list of working China VPN services.

VPN for Skype FAQ