Accessing Discord in the UAE: A guide to overcoming bans with a VPN

Like most VoIP services, Discord is blocked in the United Arab Emirates. For a while, users were able to voice chat using the website instead of the official Discord app, but unfortunately, this no longer works. Now, in order to regain access, visitors from abroad (and members of the gaming community in the UAE) have to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs improve your online privacy by sending all of your internet traffic through an encrypted server. This allows you to spoof your location, making region-locked services believe you are connecting from a non-restricted area. This lets you access region-locked services and bypass digital censorship. It also prevents telecom companies, hotspot owners, and government agencies from seeing what you get up to online.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to access Discord within the UAE and list the best providers for the job. We’ll start with a quick summary but scroll down for more in-depth reviews of each VPN.

The best Discord VPNs for users in the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our top recommended VPN for Discord. Has a large network of servers, a wide range of security tools, and excellent streaming ability. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Discord.
2. Surfshark: The best budget-friendly VPN. Offers faster speeds and more server locations than most of its rivals, plus a suite of advanced security tools
3. IPVanish: Excellent speeds, unlimited connections, and a commitment to user privacy.
4. ExpressVPN: A reputable provider with reliable speeds and custom router firmware, meaning you can even use Discord securely on gaming consoles
5. PrivateVPN: This security-conscious service works with plenty of streaming platforms and has a Stealth mode built for bypassing censorship
6. Private Internet Access: P2P-friendly VPN with 80+ server locations, no device limits, and support for many popular streaming services.
7. PureVPN: A cheap VPN that offers robust security and the ability to bypass blocks in the UAE. Works with Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and VoIP.

How to unblock Discord in the UAE

Voice chat is one of the core features of Discord, so going without it just doesn’t make sense. Just follow these steps to combine your VPN with Discord and unlock all of the functionality that this popular communication platform has to offer:

Here’s how to use a VPN with Discord in the UAE:

1. Choose one of the providers above (we recommend NordVPN)
2. Download the app and install it on any device you use Discord on
3. Log into the VPN app and connect to a server in a country that allows unrestricted access to Discord. In our years of testing VPNs, we’ve always found that the nearby servers provide the fastest, lowest-latency connections. However, if you’re unsure, servers in the US are always a good option.
4. You should now be able to start using Discord as normal. If you’re having connection issues, try a different server — it’s possible that the one you originally chose has been IP-banned.
5. Still struggling? Contact your VPN’s support team. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

How we selected the top VPNs

It’s not enough for your VPN to just work with Discord; it also has to be suitable for all of your other day-to-day activities. That’s why, in our judgment, the best Discord VPNs for users in the UAE should meet all of the following criteria:

• Allows you to use all features of the Discord app in the UAE
• Provides reliable speeds and lots of server locations to choose from
• Uses strong encryption and extra security features to hide your online traffic
• Logs as little information as possible
• Provides apps for all major platforms and, ideally, supports router installation so that you can chat via Discord on gaming consoles
• Offers customer support over live chat
• Comes with a money-back guarantee

This is just a summary, but you can read more about our testing criteria in the methodology section below.

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Discord.

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

At Comparitech, it’s our mission to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN information possible. To do that, we personally use every VPN and put them through rigorous real-world testing. The following reviews are the result of those first-hand experiences.

Let’s get started. Below, you’ll find the top VPNs for using Discord in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice VPN for accessing Discord. It has a vast network, with servers in 100+ countries, and some of these are even specially configured for tasks like beating country-wide censorship. Not only that, but it boasts an average connection speed of nearly 200 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for simultaneous chatting and gaming. As well as Discord, NordVPN works with streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

This VPN keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, malware scanning, and leak protection. Recently, it introduced MeshNet, a new feature that can securely connect devices across different networks; ideal for anyone looking to securely access files from their home PC during a trip. NordVPN has been audited multiple times and proven that it doesn’t log any identifiable data (other than advertising IDs which can be cleared manually).

NordVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also install it on routers to bypass the 10-device limit or secure traffic from gaming consoles or Smart TVs.

BEST VPN FOR DISCORD IN UAE:NordVPN is our #1 pick for accessing Discord in the UAE. It operates a huge network of servers and pegs some of the fastest speeds available. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with a network of servers spanning 100+ countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel. Its censorship-beating NoBorders mode allows you to access the wider internet, and you’ll even be able to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ abroad. Best of all, Surfshark has no connection limit and a dedicated 24/7 support team.

This provider offers a suite of security features, including 256-bit encryption, leak protection, automatic wifi protection, and a kill switch. Additionally, there’s a CleanWeb feature capable of blocking ads, malware, and trackers, plus a rotating IP option that, from our point of view, should come as standard with every VPN. Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and has been audited to prove it.

Surfshark has its own iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps. If you’re looking to use Discord on gaming consoles, you can manually install it on your router.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is fast, reliable, and great at unblocking content. Plus, it doesn’t impose a device limit and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a great option for users in the United Arab Emirates looking to access Discord, offering a solution to overcome the country’s strict internet censorship. With its robust network of servers and advanced obfuscation technology, IPVanish can effectively bypass the UAE’s VoIP ban and allow users to connect to Discord without any hassle.

When it comes to privacy, IPVanish takes a strong stance. The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain confidential. It employs military-grade AES-256 encryption to secure your data and protect it from prying eyes, including your ISP and government surveillance.

IPVanish is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.

The user-friendly apps make it easy to set up and use the VPN, even for those who are new to the technology. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect all your devices and share your account with family and friends.

In terms of security, IPVanish offers a range of advanced features. The VPN includes a kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental exposure of your online activities. It also provides DNS and IPv6 leak protection to ensure your real IP address remains hidden.

With a network of over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations worldwide, IPVanish offers ample options for users in the UAE to connect to servers in nearby regions for optimal speeds. During our tests, IPVanish delivered impressive connection speeds, allowing for smooth voice and video calls on Discord.

IPVanish provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, ensuring you can get assistance whenever needed. The VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test the service risk-free.

ULTRAFAST:IPVanish is an excellent choice for users in the United Arab Emirates looking to access Discord and overcome the country’s VoIP ban. With its advanced obfuscation technology, robust security features, and impressive speeds, IPVanish ensures you can connect to Discord without any restrictions.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for accessing Discord in the UAE. It delivers some of the fastest speeds around, which makes it ideal for data-intensive tasks like gaming or streaming, and with servers in 100+ countries, you have plenty of options.

This is one of the best VPNs for Discord, thanks to its ease of use and strong security offering. It hides your online traffic using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It works in countries like the UAE without any manual configuration needed, but if you’re having any issues, support is available 24/7 over live chat. ExpressVPN is a no-logs provider that accepts Bitcoin.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. This is the only major VPN with its own router firmware, which simplifies the process of gaming securely on your PlayStation, Xbox, or other games consoles.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is highly versatile. It provides a vast network of servers and has your back when it comes to privacy and security. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. PrivateVPN

unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller server network than some of its rivals but still offers servers in 63 locations, including Dubai and Turkey. This provider works flawlessly with Discord and is fast enough for just about anything. You can even stream BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video if you get bored. Live chat isn’t available 24/7, but it’s not far off, with around 18 hours of coverage each day.

This VPN secures your internet traffic with uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. There’s a toggleable Stealth mode too, and our research showed that this even works in places like China. PrivateVPN accepts Bitcoin and follows a no-logs policy, so there’s no need to worry about your activities being revealed to telecom companies or the government.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. PrivateVPN can be manually installed on Linux systems and routers. There’s a 10-device limit, which is nearly twice the industry average.

SOLID SECURITY:PrivateVPN boasts impressive speeds, powerful privacy tools, and the ability to browse safely in the UAE. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access is an excellent security-focused VPN with a network spanning 90 countries. We’ve had no issues using it for Discord, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, or other popular streaming services. Further, with an average connection speed of 117 Mbps, you likely won’t notice any performance hit unless you’re used to extremely fast internet.

As you might expect, PIA uses uncrackable encryption to shield your activities from prying eyes. It also offers a kill switch, ad-blocking, malware protection, and leak protection. Private Internet Access refuses to log any data that could identify you, a fact that has been verified by independent auditors. Live chat is available day and night, just in case you have any issues, and this provider has no device limit.

Private Internet Access has apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. You’ll have to follow manual setup instructions to get it running on routers, though.

BULLETPROOF SECURITY:Private Internet Access is a solid VPN choice with strong security, high speeds, no connection limits and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. PureVPN

unblocks discordTested Nov 2024

PureVPN offers internet users in the UAE a robust, secure connection through its servers in Dubai and over 60 other supported countries. This VPN is particularly effective for bypassing VoIP and website blocks in the UAE, making it an excellent choice for using Discord privately.

With PureVPN, you can torrent anonymously, prevent ISP and government snooping, bypass website blocks at work, and use public WiFi safely in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE. Best of all, it is very cheap, making it an affordable Discord VPN for anybody on a tight budget.

In our tests, the VPN was effective in obtaining IP addresses in various locations, enabling access to popular UAE streams like OSN Streaming, STARZPLAY, and Wavo. PureVPN also stands out for its ability to maintain high-speed performance, with an average download speed of 400 Mbps. The service allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections and offers 24/7 live chat support.

PureVPN’s commitment to security is reflected in features like a kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, employing 256-bit AES encryption on OpenVPN and ChaCha20 on WireGuard. Its privacy practices have been validated by multiple independent audits, affirming its dedication to user privacy.

Dedicated apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS, and comprehensive installation instructions for numerous router models can be found on its website. You can test PureVPN risk-free with its 31-day money-back guarantee, whether in the UAE or traveling abroad.

SECURITY ON A BUDGET:PureVPN is a beginner-friendly provider with fast and reliable servers in the UAE and 65+ other countries. It never compromises on privacy and includes a 31-day money-back guarantee with every subscription. Works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and other popular international services.

Take a look at our comprehensive PureVPN review.

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Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

You can’t just use any old VPN with Discord in the UAE. First, it has to evade detection, then provide the extra security features and reliable speeds needed for glitch-free voice chat. During our research, we looked into all of the following areas to make sure we only recommended the very best VPNs for Discord:

• Network: The closer your VPN’s servers, the quicker your connection will be. That’s why we looked for those with servers in the UAE and surrounding areas. The more supported countries, the better since this limits which popular streaming platforms you can access while traveling
• Performance: If your connection isn’t up to the task, you’ll notice robotic-sounding audio on regular calls. We’ve personally speed-tested dozens of VPNs and only recommend those with above-average speeds
• Unblocking potential: The UAE has very strict online blocking, so you’ll need to fly under the radar to even access popular VoIP services like Discord, Skype, or WhatsApp. Luckily, we’ve performed thousands of tests, so we know which VPNs are able to beat this kind of restriction the most consistently
• Security features: To make sure you’re as anonymous as possible, we looked for services with excellent security toolkits. This means, at minimum, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. Extras like malware protection or rotating IP addresses are very welcome
• Ease of use: The best services need no tutorials. That’s why our top picks all have well-organized, beginner-friendly apps and solid multi-platform support. Of course, we also made sure that there’d be live chat-based support in case you run into any issues.
• Price: Some providers try to take advantage of customers by charging more than they’re really worth. However, thanks to our years on the scene, we can spot these VPNs a mile away and will never recommend one that isn’t priced fairly. What’s more, we include information on discounts, deals, free trials, and money-back guarantees so you’ll pay as little as possible.

Want to know more? We have a whole post dedicated to explaining how we put VPNs through their paces.

Using a free VPN for Discord in the UAE

We always advise against using a free Virtual Private Network, but that advice is even more important in countries with strict online censorship like the UAE. After spending years testing consumer VPNs, we’ve found that free providers tend to have fewer servers, slower speeds, and low monthly bandwidth caps that make them unreliable long-term solutions. But more important than that is the security risk.

Free providers can’t compete with premium VPNs on security. We’ve seen cases where they outright lie about the logs they keep, and research indicates that a high number of services fail to use any encryption at all. To avoid compromising where your privacy is concerned, we’d suggest choosing a paid VPN provider with a proven track record instead of using whatever’s free. Remember: most offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s really no risk.

Accessing Discord in the UAE: FAQs