Best VPNs to unblock WhatsApp in 2024

WhatsApp has a huge focus on privacy and security, it uses end-to-end encryption so no one but you and your recipient can read your messages. While this level of privacy is very impressive, the high level of security has led to the app being banned in some countries. This can be frustrating for travelers and residents who want to use the free and secure app while in restricted countries. Luckily a VPN is a simple solution that will gain you access to WhatsApp anywhere.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all your device’s internet traffic (including WhatsApp messages and video calls) and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. This not only provides greater security but also helps you bypass geographic restrictions in countries where WhatsApp is blocked.

In this article, we explain exactly how to access WhatsApp from anywhere with a VPN and the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each provider later on, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp:

1. NordVPN Our #1 VPN for WhatsApp. Encrypts all traffic and keeps no logs. Mobile apps work great with messaging and VoIP services and are easy to use. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark Best budget alternative VPN. With no connection limit, decent speeds, and a major focus on security, Surfshark makes it easy to use WhatsApp safely from anywhere.
3. IPVanish A privacy-conscious provider boasting exceptional speeds and no connection limit. Works with WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar messaging services.
4. ExpressVPN Fast and secure. Effortlessly unblocks WhatsApp and most other VoIP and messaging apps from anywhere. Servers in 100+ countries. 24/7 customer support.
5. CyberGhost Beginner-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps, 24/7 support, impressive unblocking abilities and a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries.
6. PrivateVPN This is one of the fastest VPNs around and comes with several advanced security features. It keeps no logs whatsoever and easily unblocks WhatsApp abroad.
7. Private Internet Access Excellent set of security credentials. Reliable and secure for WhatsApp and other messaging services and includes an unlimited connection limit.
8. PureVPN The cheapest VPN to use WhatsApp privately. Excellent speeds to make video calls. Works with many popular streaming services.
9. ProtonVPN A highly advanced VPN. Works to gain online privacy and unblock VoIP apps like WhatsApp. Fast and secure with a kill switch, stealth, and multi-hop features.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly.

Where is WhatsApp blocked, and why?

WhatsApp features end-to-end encryption, which means all messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and remain encrypted until they arrive on the receiver’s device. Anyone who happens to intercept messages in transit–be it an ISP, hacker, government entity, or even Facebook–will not be able to decrypt their contents. WhatsApp uses the encryption suite developed by Whisper Systems, which makes the much-lauded and privacy-focused Signal messaging app.

This level of privacy is excellent for users, but some governments and law enforcement agencies argue that it protects activists, journalists, dissidents, criminals, and terrorists who can use the app to communicate secretly. As a result, WhatsApp has been banned, either temporarily or permanently, in over a dozen countries, including:

• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Montenegro
• Saudi Arabia
• The Gambia
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

In some countries, WhatsApp’s voice calling (VoIP) feature is often blocked while the rest of the app is left open. VoIP allows users to make voice calls over the internet, similar to Skype, which is also blocked in some countries. WhatsApp voice calls are blocked in:

• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Morocco
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan

Telecom companies in several countries have lobbied their respective governments to restrict WhatsApp as well. Because WhatsApp serves as a substitute for traditional calls and SMS, it cuts into the profits of legacy telcos.

How we selected the top VPNs for WhatsApp

There are an endless number of VPNs on the market, all promising the earth. Finding the ones that actually work for what you need them to can be tricky and time-consuming. Well, we’ve done the leg work for you and narrowed the choices down considerably by only including VPNs that meet the following non-negotiable criteria:

• Wide network of global servers in countries where WhatsApp is unrestricted
• Speeds fast enough for uninterrupted VoIP calling and streaming
• Strong security and privacy protocols
• Keeps no usage logs
• Mobile apps available, including Android and iPhone/iOS
• Good value for money and a money-back guarantee

This is just the highlights of what we look for in the VPNs we recommend. You can read more about our testing criteria in the methodology section below.

The best WhatsApp VPNs: at a glance

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

Best VPNs for WhatsApp

We aim to bring you the most accurate and helpful VPN recommendations possible. To do that, we personally use and test every VPN to ensure they’re up to our standards and yours. The following reviews are the result of those first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing WhatsApp from anywhere:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation if you want the best VPN for WhatsApp. Thanks to their global network of thousands of servers, NordVPN gives you access to WhatsApp and other services from anywhere in the world. With NordVPN, you get military-grade encryption that uses 256-bit AES to protect your online communications. You can also connect to a double VPN or Tor over VPN for even more advanced security features.

NordVPN automatically routes your DNS requests through its own secure servers, which prevents any potential DNS leaks that could reveal your location. Their apps work on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, so you can stay connected across multiple platforms.

NordVPN’s subscription allows for 10 simultaneous connections, which makes it an excellent choice for families, offices, or shared households. On top of that, NordVPN supports popular streaming services like US Netflix and Hulu and boasts impressive connection speeds.

BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It unblocks all major VoIP, social media, and chat apps with ease, including WhatsApp, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, and more. Allows up to 6 simultaneous connected devices. Great privacy and security credentials. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free deal.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a young provider making a big splash in the VPN space by allowing users to connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time. That’s not the only card in its hand, though: Surfshark offers the security and online privacy you need to use WhatsApp from any country. It works in both the UAE and China. The company doesn’t store any logs and uses top-notch encryption.

If you want to access streaming sites securely, Surfshark has you covered. It reliably works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among others. 24/7 live chat support is available when you need it.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is ideal for sharing with family as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Reliable servers and user-friendly apps. No-logs VPN with 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks WhatsAppTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a beginner-friendly VPN with more than 2,400 servers spread across 60 countries. In addition to being extremely fast, it’s capable of flying under the radar and accessing a huge range of region-locked platforms. Although it doesn’t work in China, it’s a great choice for users looking to unblock WhatsApp in the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Be aware that the service’s website may be blocked in some of these countries, so it’s a good idea to install the app before arriving. We’d also suggest saving manual setup instructions and the support email address, just in case.

So, what does the service offer in terms of privacy? For starters, IPVanish has an independently verified no-logs policy, which means it couldn’t reveal details of your activities even if it wanted to. There are plenty of additional safeguards too, such as a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic tracker-blocking, and traffic obfuscation (though this only works on OpenVPN connections). We’d prefer if there were some anonymous payment options, though, as many competing VPNs allow you to sign up without providing any personal information.

IPVanish works on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. It can also be manually installed on most popular router firmware.

CHAT SECURELY:IPVanish works flawlessly with WhatsApp, even in countries where the service isn’t normally available. Offers ultra-fast servers, unlimited connections, and strong security, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual and two-year subscriptions.

Interested? Read our in-depth review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is fast, and servers are available in 100+ countries. It’s capable of accessing WhatsApp from anywhere, along with other VoIP services and a wide range of streaming platforms, including US Netflix and Hulu.

ExpressVPN offers cutting-edge security at every stage, including 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. The company keeps no logs of your activity or source IP address. DNS leak protection is built in so your true location is never revealed to your ISP, and the company operates its own private DNS servers.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (command-line).

RELIABLE SERVICE:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice. It works well with WhatsApp and other apps, boasts reliable connections, and has a huge range of countries available. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is a top choice for unblocking WhatsApp thanks to its extensive server network, robust security features, and user-friendly apps. With over 10,000 servers in more than 100 countries, CyberGhost offers a reliable and stable connection to bypass any restrictions and access WhatsApp seamlessly, even in countries where it is blocked.

CyberGhost delivers impressive speed performance with unlimited bandwidth and allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously. In addition, if you ever encounter any issues or have questions, their 24/7 customer support team is available via live chat and email to provide assistance.

Security is a priority for CyberGhost, as they employ AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

USER-FRIENDLY CHOICE:CyberGhost employs specialized servers for the task at hand, a kill switch on all platforms, and AES encryption. Plans include a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is an up-and-coming provider that offers all the security and features you would expect from a veteran player. It works in both China and the United Arab Emirates. The company stores zero logs about its users and employs uncrackable encryption. Perfect forward secrecy ensures that even if your encryption key is compromised, it can’t be used to decrypt past sessions. Leak prevention comes baked into all of the apps, but a kill switch is only available on the Windows version.

PrivateVPN is also great for securely accessing streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. The apps are novice-friendly and simple to set up.

Apps are available for Windows operating systems, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. You can connect up to 10 devices at a time.

HIGH-SPEED SERVERS:PrivateVPN has particularly fast servers making it a great option for WhatsApp calls.Very easy to use and offers live chat support. Secure with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top contender for unblocking WhatsApp in 2024. With its impressive array of 10,000 to 35,000 servers spread across 84 countries, PIA unblocks WhatsApp and offers expansive global content access. It also works with streaming services like US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. And it lets you connect all your devices simultaneously.

Its commitment to security is evident through 256-bit AES encryption and the inclusion of both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. A staunch no-logs policy and PIA’s DNS leak protection bolster your online privacy, ensuring your real IP address remains hidden. The VPN’s “MACE” feature is a game-changer, effectively blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the DNS level, thus enhancing your browsing experience and security.

Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux VPN desktop applications, PIA’s versatility is noteworthy. Its 30-day money-back guarantee offers peace of mind, allowing you to test its services without any financial risk.

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:Private Internet Access has servers in 84 countries, doesn’t log your activities and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

8. PureVPN

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is a cheap and reliable VPN that works to use WhatsApp privately in any country. Despite its cost-effectiveness, it boasts comprehensive apps compatible with all popular platforms, ensuring discreet social media use and WhatsApp calling on any network or country. Despite being cheap, PureVPN works to make private WhatsApp calls in countries where WhatsApp is blocked, including China, North Korea, and Syria.

With fast speeds, PureVPN is well-suited for unblocking and making VoIP calls on WhatsApp in regions with strict VoIP regulations, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, its fast WireGuard protocol enhances the experience of browsing, enjoying social videos, HD streaming, and gaming on various platforms.

While PureVPN offers port forwarding for torrenting, it’s worth noting that this feature comes at an additional cost. Not overly expensive, but worth bearing in mind.

PureVPN has servers in 65 countries, enabling access to WhatsApp and other popular VoIP apps such as Zoo, Viber, and Skype. It also works to unblock popular social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitch, Discord, Reddit, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Subscriptions start at $1.96 per month, which makes it by far one of the cheapest VPNs for circumventing WhatsApp blocks at work, on campus, or while traveling.

PureVPN’s apps provide AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak prevention, ensuring the privacy of all online activities and safeguarding against hackers on public WiFi. You can try it to use WhatsApp privately thanks to its 31-day money-back guarantee.

LOW-COST STREAMING:PureVPN has a choice of servers in the US that work to bypass WhatsApp blocks at work or abroad. Fast speeds for streaming Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others. Servers available in 65+ countries. Strong encryption means you can use WhatsApp privately at work or in school. Easy to use on all devices. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. ProtonVPN

unblocks whatsappTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN is a world-class VPN known for its advanced features. It works to unblock WhatsApp, whether you’re at work, on campus, or traveling to countries where access to Western services is restricted. With rock-solid AES encryption, ProtonVPN ensures that your bypassing of blocks to access VoIP apps remains undetected. Thus, its robust security features make it ideal for making VoIP calls on WhatsApp Messenger in regions with strict VoIP regulations, such as the UAE.

ProtonVPN has a rock-solid suite of privacy and security features. ProtonVPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an extensively audited no-logs policy. Additional features like obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN options enhance user privacy, enabling safe access to WhatsApp in countries with overreaching surveillance. Just bear in mind that China is not officially supported.

ProtonVPN’s support for split tunneling and port forwarding makes it a versatile VPN for users interested in torrenting. With a large network spanning 85 countries, ProtonVPN allows you to obtain an IP address on any continent. In our tests, it successfully accessed popular international streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. This makes it a fantastic all-rounder

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Live chat support is accessible on its website, and users can try the VPN risk-free for 30 days.

ADVANCED VPN:ProtonVPN is an advanced VPN that provides strong privacy levels. Secure for bypassing social media blocks at work or using WhatsApp in countries where it is restricted. Port forwarding features for torrenting. It has servers in 85+ countries, including the US, to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Using free VPNs to access WhatsApp

While we know that free VPNs are tempting, it is highly unlikely that you’ll find one that can reliably bypass a countrywide restriction on WhatsApp. A government that can block WhatsApp can just as easily block a VPN server, and free VPNs have too few resources and too little incentive to keep their servers off of these government blacklists. Paid VPNs are much better positioned to do so.

China and the UAE actively block most VPNs, even paid ones. However, the paid VPNs we recommend above have the expertise and resources to stay a step ahead. They also offer live customer support to users who experience any issues accessing WhatsApp.

Even if a free VPN grants access to WhatsApp, that access might not be secure. Free VPNs often come with security risks, such as subpar encryption and no leak protection to prevent snooping third parties from monitoring your connection. Additionally, most free VPNs have a limited range of servers to choose from, limit available bandwidth, and cap data.

We recommend avoiding free VPNs on Google Play and the App Store. These apps often track and log what you do online, inject advertisements, and can even infect your device with malware. And if the police come knocking on their door asking for information on a specific user, they aren’t going to risk their business to save someone who uses their app for free.

How to run WhatsApp through a VPN

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before, they are surprisingly user friendly. Just follow the instructions below, and you’ll be all set up to use to use WhatsApp anywhere in no time.

Here’s how to unblock WhatsApp and make calls with a VPN:

1. Select a VPN provider – we recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN apps, making sure to get the correct versions for your devices.
3. Run the app and select a server in a country where WhatsApp is not blocked, such as Europe or the US.
4. Hit the Connect button, open WhatsApp, and use it as normal.
5. If you’re having problems, try connecting to a different server or contact your VPN’s support team for more help.

Finding the best VPNs for WhatsApp: our Methodology

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. That’s where we come in: we’ve carefully considered the most important things a VPN should offer for accessing WhatsApp anywhere, and used this criteria to filter out unsuitable services until only the best were left.

• Security: We assess each VPN’s encryption scheme and test connections for various data leaks.
• Logging policy: We pour over each VPN’s terms of use and privacy policy for any language or lack thereof that could indicate the collection of personally identifiable data when using the VPN.
• Speed: We measure and record download speeds while connected to VPN servers worldwide and only recommend the fastest VPN services.
• Streaming: We check whether each VPN can access popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Paramount+.
• Customer service: Our reviewers contact each VPN’s customer service as secret shoppers to gauge response times and quality.
• Ability to bypass censorship: We check whether the VPNs can connect in countries with heavy censorship, like China and the UAE.

Want to know more? You can read more in our article detailing our VPN testing methodology.

Using WhatsApp with a VPN: FAQs