Many Qatari streaming and sporting sites geo-restrict access based on your IP address. This means you won’t be able to proceed further if you try to log on with a non-Qatari IP address.
The easiest and most straightforward way to unblock these services from abroad is to tunnel your location into Qatar via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A VPN routes all the traffic flowing to and from your device via an intermediary server that you pick. It also adds a virtually unhackable layer of encryption. By selecting a server in Qatar, you’re automatically gaining a local IP address as well as a secure internet connection.
A few top-tier VPN companies offer servers in Qatar. By signing up for an account with one of them, you could be located anywhere in the world and yet browse the web with an IP address from Qatar. Furthermore, the encryption factor will make the connection safe and away from the reach of hackers and snoopers. Even your internet service provider (ISP) won’t be able to monitor what you’re doing on the web.
Don’t have time to read the full post? Here’s a quick overview of the best VPNs for getting a Qatar IP address to save you time:
- CyberGhost: Our #1 choice for a Qatar IP address. Over a dozen Qatar servers. Fast speeds, up to 7 simultaneous connections, and strong security. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Proton VPN: Offers three dozen servers in Qatar. Fast with a Stealth VPN protocol for bypassing censorship. No-logs VPN with strong encryption.
- VyprVPN: Owns all of its servers, those in Qatar included. Independently audited no-logs policy. Packed with security features.
- HideMyAss: Well over 1,000 servers in 200+ countries, Qatar included. Works with Netflix and provides decent speeds. Also allows P2P file-sharing.
How to get an IP address for Qatar
VPNs are easy to set up and don’t require technical know-how. Just follow the guide below, and you’ll be browsing securely in no time.
Follow these simple steps:
- Decide on a service that works for you (our recommendation is CyberGhost).
- Sign up and download the app, making sure to get the correct version for your device.
- Connect to a server in Qatar. This will change your IP address.
- Navigate to geo-restricted content from Qatar. You should now be able to access the restricted content.
- If it doesn’t work straight away, don’t panic. You may just have to clear your browser cache and cookies and try again. If it’s still not working contact your VPN’s customer support team for more advice.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK-FREE?
CyberGhost is offering a fully featured risk-free 45-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for getting a Qatar IP address online with no restrictions for a month—perfect for short trips abroad.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide CyberGhost isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your CyberGhost trial here.
How we select the top VPNs for a Qatar IP address
VPN services are available all over the internet. But they don’t offer comparable levels of service. Very few of them have servers in Qatar, and those that do aren’t always the fastest or most secure. To find the best VPNs for your needs, we judged providers across the following criteria:
- Offers high-speed connections
- The provider maintains servers in Qatar
- Has a track record of unblocking geo-restricted content without any problems
- Uses robust encryption protocols so your data is protected at all times
- There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS at a minimum
- It doesn’t log user behavior
This is just an overview of our VPN testing process. If you want to know more, check out our detailed article explaining how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend. For now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that passed the test.
The best VPNs for gaining an IP address from Qatar
Here are our reviews of the best VPNs for a Qatar IP address:
1. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is our top choice VPN for a Qatar IP address. This quality provider has over a dozen virtual servers in Doha, Qatar. This means that while the servers aren’t physically located in Qatar, they’ll still provide you with the Qatari IP address that you need. This VPN has a huge network of approximately 10,000 servers in 100 countries. As such, CyberGhost is highly suitable for traveling abroad and bypassing content restrictions. It’s also very fast for lag and buffer-free streaming.
With CyberGhost, you can connect up to seven devices at the same time. Your subscription also includes 24-hour access to live chat and email support. This VPN provider operates a strict no-logs policy and offers military-grade encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Windows users can benefit from CyberGhost’s security suite which includes an antivirus.
CyberGhost provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. To use this VPN with a compatible router, you’ll need to manually configure the connection.
Pros:
- Over a dozen Qatar servers
- Very good speeds for streaming
- Secure up to seven devices at the same time
- No-logs policy ensures your privacy is protected
- Plenty of security features including a Windows antivirus
- Live chat and email support 24/7
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR A QATAR IP ADDRESS:CyberGhost has plenty of servers in Doha, Qatar. Some 10,000 servers in 100 countries in all. Fast with a strong set of security features. Connect seven devices at once. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
2. Proton VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Proton VPN boasts more than 8,500 servers globally across 112 countries, which is far more than most VPN providers. This includes three dozen servers in Doha, Qatar. Needless to say, there are plenty of Qatari IP addresses available. Proton VPN’s impressive server speeds and consistent unblocking make it ideal for streaming and torrenting, as well as getting around internet censorship in Qatar.
The internet certainly isn’t free in Qatar, and citizens in the country have to be careful about what they say and do online. Proton VPN is one of the most secure, privacy-respecting services you can use. A strict no-logs VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, provides protection from DNS leaks, and has a kill switch and double VPN servers. In fact, you can even pay anonymously in cash if you like.
Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with PrivateVPN’s apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). You’ll also find apps for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual setup.
Pros:
- More servers in Qatar than most VPNs (36 at the time of writing)
- Ability to bypass content blocking as well as VPN blocks
- Strong stance on privacy with a very strict no-logs policy
- Very good server speeds allows for streaming and torrenting
- Allows 10 simultaneous connections
Cons:
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Live chat support isn’t offered around the clock
Our score:
THREE DOZEN QATAR SERVERS:Proton VPN has a huge network of servers in 112 countries including Qatar. With robust encryption and a true no-logs policy, it allows for secure and anonymous browsing. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Proton VPN review.
3. VyprVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.VyprVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
VyprVPN incorporates incredibly sophisticated location-evading tech. It has more than 700 servers across the globe, and options for an IP address from Qatar are available.
The service can securely and reliably access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services. What’s more, customer support representatives will provide individual support if you’re looking to unblock a specific streaming service.
VyprVPN has recently overhauled its privacy policy and now doesn’t store any personally identifiable information. That’s a break from its earlier policy of storing IP addresses and other customer information. It’s a proven performer when it comes to unblocking China-specific services and its proprietary Chameleon™ cloaking technology is considered to be among the best in the industry.
VyprVPN includes a free three-day trial with all packages so you can try it out and cancel if it doesn’t meet your requirements.
Apps for Android and iOS are included, as are desktop versions for Windows and MacOS. A single subscription allows for three devices to connect at the same time.
Pros:
- Fast speeds and stable connection
- Incredible encryption standards
- Works well for Qatar
- Works with Netflix and other services
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept bitcoin
- Smaller server network
Our score:
STREAMING-FRIENDLY:VyprVPN is fast and secure, and designed with privacy in mind. It’s our best value pick to get a Qatar IP address. Plus, you can take advantage of a 30-day free trial to try it risk-free.
Read our review of VyprVPN.
4. HideMyAss
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.HideMyAss.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
HideMyAss covers 850 servers in 190 countries, including two that are located in Qatar. It’s been in the VPN business for a while and has over 400 million users, giving it impressive scale and reach.
The service is fast and provides secure access to lots of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
HideMyAss uses 256-bit AES encryption along with 4,096-bit RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy. Some users will undoubtedly be concerned about its data-logging policy, but there is an option to toggle the settings in the app. Plus, its customer support will help you out if you’re stuck.
You can find apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. A single connection allows for five devices to connect concurrently.
Pros:
- Large number of countries covered
- Servers in Qatar
- User-friendly apps for most operating systems
Cons:
- Data logging policy
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Some slower servers
Our score:
VERSATILE VPN:HideMyAss comes with years of experience. It works with multiple streaming services, has fast speeds, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of HideMyAss
Using a free VPN to obtain an IP address from Qatar
Obtaining an IP address from Qatar with a free VPN might be impossible to achieve for a couple of reasons. The first is that very few paid VPN services incorporate servers in Qatar, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a free one that does. Secondly, Qatar doesn’t have very liberal internet laws and tries its best to curtail VPN companies from operating there (although their use is still legal).
In the unlikely event that you do find a free VPN that offers servers in Qatar, we still don’t think it’s a good idea to opt for this deal. That’s because free VPN servers are typically managed with weak encryption standards and may even come bundled with malware.
In other cases, unethical free VPN providers have been caught by security researchers who determined that they mined user data and sold it to third-party advertisers. One free VPN provider has even built a botnet army by leveraging idle user bandwidth. If you’re trying to stream content, securely access financial services, or post anonymously online, then a free VPN is not going to be good enough.
Using a VPN to gain a Qatari IP address: FAQs
Can I use a VPN to watch Qatar television online?
When you download a VPN and select a server in Qatar, all host websites and apps you log in to will automatically assume that you’re physically located in the country.
For example, channels like Al Jazeera, beIN sports, Showtime Arabia, and Qatar News Agency should allow you access. Note that some of these platforms may require you to subscribe before they allow access to their live streams. Be sure to check individual websites if you have any questions.
DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream content illegally. Please consult local laws before deciding to embark on this route. If you have any questions, then it’s best to talk to a lawyer in your country of residence.
What sites are blocked in Qatar?
Freedom of the press and online expression in Qatar is ‘not-free’ says advocacy body Freedom House. The country places restrictions on media outlets along with a high level of self-censorship. Little dissent is tolerated, with a series of investigative posts leading to the closure of local site Doha News.
Voice over IP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber are also blocked in the country, similar to the situation in the neighboring United Arab Emirates. This practice can be seen as an effort to support the state telecom regulator in a quest for higher profits.
What else can I do with a VPN?
VPNs are great for accessing geo-restricted content, but they can also be used in other applications.
One of those is to access online banking safely and securely. By using a Qatari IP address when abroad, you’re securing safe passage to your bank account at Commercial Bank of Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, and Qatar National Bank. That’s because they’ll assume someone from within the country is trying to log on, effectively reducing the risk of fraudulent activity.
VPNs can evade the security risks that come with accessing public wifi safely and securely. Wifi networks, such as those found at airports, malls, and hotel rooms, are often breached by hackers who lie in wait to target unsuspecting users. But a VPN’s encryption layer makes your connection virtually unhackable, so you can sleep easy.
What are the other methods to obtain an IP address from Qatar?
VPN services are one of a few methods to guard your IP address online. Another option is the Tor browser, which can do a similar job.
The Tor browser is a product of the Tor project — which was initially developed by the US military to help people stay safe online. It’s free to download and use and is popular with journalists, whistleblowers, and human rights activists who leverage its capabilities to hide their identities online.
Having said that, the Tor browser wasn’t initially set up to cater to things like online streaming or downloading and is incredibly slow. It also has a sordid reputation for being popular with online criminals conducting illegal activities on the dark web.
Another option is to use a free proxy server. However, they operate with data caps, a small selection of locations, and questionable privacy policies, similar to free VPN services.
Plus, a lot of streaming services, like Netflix, have been blocking proxies for a while. They’re not very sophisticated, and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to access your favorite shows and movies by using them.