WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps, especially because of its encryption. Unfortunately, the privacy that end-to-end encryption creates means that WhatsApp is frowned upon in many nations. Thankfully, with a VPN for WhatsApp, anyone anywhere can re-gain access to the popular app.
In this guide, we list the best VPN for WhatsApp and you some top tips on how to unblock WhatsApp from anywhere.
What are the best VPNs for WhatsApp?
We've listed the best VPNs for WhatsApp below – but be sure to keep scrolling if you'd like to know more about each provider.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for WhatsApp. It's the fastest VPN that we test, it's got fantastic apps, and has stealth servers.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure VPN for WhatsApp. It has proven in court that it doesn't keep logs and has advanced security features.
- Surfshark - The cheapest VPN for WhatsApp. It's jam-packed with features, super-secure, and has great VPN apps.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy to use and great value-for-money VPN for WhatsApp. It has strong security features and great apps.
- VyprVPN - Has easy-to-use apps for all major platforms and offers strong encryption for WhatsApp.
All our VPN picks have the following key features and great Android VPN and iOS VPN apps, ensuring that you get the most out of your new subscription:
- Strong encryption
- Unblocks WhatsApp alongside other popular apps and streaming sites
- Super-fast servers
- Severs located around the world
The Best WhatsApp VPN in 2024 - Analysis
We have listed the best VPNs to use with WhatsApp below.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for WhatsApp. It's fastest VPN we test, has rock-solid security, stealth servers around the world, and great apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. ExpressVPN is a top-shelf VPN provider that continues to set the bar in the industry. With watertight AES-256 encryption and robust obfuscation (stealth) technology, it's great for users who want to unblock WhatsApp and not let prying eyes see them doing it. Its kill-switch function also allows users to disconnect from the internet if the VPN fails, keeping your information safe, and protecting you from accidentally revealing your internet usage. Some users may be put off by the price of Express, but it more than justifies the cost with the quality of its product, and its commitment to five-star customer service. It offers 24/7 support, coupled with a knowledge bank that's filled with useful guides and tips to help you get the most out of your service. Try Express today with their 30-day money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access is the most secure VPN for WhatsApp. It's a hard-hitting, low-cost VPN that offers robust encryption and has proven it's no-logs claim in court. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a firm favorite among the privacy community. It's simple and easy-to-use app is great for beginners, while still offering plenty of customization for advanced users. PIA's feature-rich service offers strong encryption and kill-switch functionality, making it great for WhatsApp users in China, the UAE, and other countries where the app is banned. However, it does not have dedicated obfuscation, so you may want to test this service using the company's money-back guarantee to ensure that it can bypass any potential VPN firewalls in your country. The good news is that many people use this secure service without issues, because it implements OpenVPN to a very high standard, and it can be ported TCP over 443, which disguises OpenVPN as HTTPS. Couple its great functionality with a competitively low cost, and PIA is a service that's hard to beat. Its zero-logs policy is court-proven and reassures users that they put their privacy first. Try PIA today on up to ten simultaneous devices with their 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the cheapest VPN for WhatsApp. It's a fast VPN that's great for streaming and unblocking geo-restricted content and has great security features. Surfshark offers users super-fast servers in 63+ countries, making up a global network that's perfect for streaming and unblocking geo-restricted content. Its split-tunneling technology allows users to access content and services both abroad and locally at the same time! With obfuscation (stealth) and kill-switch technology, you can bypass government restrictions and access WhatsApp in total privacy. Arguably the most groundbreaking aspect of Surfshark's service is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This has become the industry benchmark, and other providers are beginning to follow suit. Unlimited connections are great for tech enthusiasts and families, and you won't have to pick and choose which devices to connect and which to leave unsecured. What's more, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can put these features to the test yourself. CyberGhost is an easy to use VPN for whats app. It has great apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac and offers users a premium features without the premium prices. CyberGhost is a budget-friendly VPN with lots to offer. Its massive network of fast servers is great for users looking to unblock regional content and get the most out of the internet, including accessing VoIP services like WhatsApp. With a simple and easy-to-use app, CyberGhost is great for beginners, and browser add-ons make for even more secure browsing. One feature we would like to see from CyberGhost in the future is obfuscation (stealth) technology. This would make the service safer for WhatsApp users in countries with mass-surveillance (such as China). However, it does permit for OpenVPN over port 443, which should be enough for most people's needs. Give CyberGhost a try with their generous 45-day money-back guarantee. VyprVPN has apps on Android, IOS, Mac, and Windows, each built with excellent privacy features. All its servers have strong encryption, helping you unblock WhatsApp anywhere in the world. VyprVPN is unique in that it runs its own proprietary network of servers, rather than renting third party servers like most other VPN providers. This leaves Golden Frog, Vypr's parent company, in control of your data with no interference. Of course, the company doesn't expect you to just take it at its word – it regularly commissions full third party security audits that attest to the security of its apps and infrastructure, making it a VPN you can trust. Based in Switzerland, Vypr users enjoy the benefit of the country's relaxed stance on privacy and a robust no-logs policy to boot. Apps are available for all core platforms, each boasting several privacy features, including strong OpenVPN encryption. VyprVPN's "Chameleon" stealth technology is particularly effective in countries where WhatsApp is banned, as it allows you to access the app without repercussions. With savings to be had with longer subscriptions, Vypr is definitely a contender for a WhatsApp VPN. Try it today, risk-free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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How to use a VPN to unblock WhatsApp – step by step
If WhatsApp is blocked in your country, you will need to use a VPN to access it. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to one of the best VPNs for WhatsApp. Don't forget, you can test each service without risking your cash thanks to the providers' money-back guarantees!
- Download and install the VPN software you require. Remember to get the right version for your device.
- Log in and navigate to the VPN's settings and turn on the kill-switch and the obfuscation features. In addition, select OpenVPN encryption as this is most secure.
- Connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp is not banned.
- Download WhatsApp from your usual app store. If WhatsApp isn’t listed, you may need to sign out of the account and re-join the app store with a new email address. This will create a new app store account registered in the country where WhatsApp is allowed.
Now that you appear to be overseas and have a new app store account registered abroad, you can use WhatsApp like everyone else! Just don't forget to connect to your VPN before launching WhatsApp.
If you're having trouble unblocking WhatsApp, it's worth contacting your VPN directly as there might be specific servers for accessing WhatsApp. Also, be sure to use your VPN's stealth mode, as this can help to bypass ISP firewalls that prevent access to WhatsApp's servers using a VPN.
Can I use a free VPN with WhatsApp?
As you may know, there are free VPN services available on the market. However, studies have revealed that the vast majority of those services have numerous issues that make them unsuitable for gaining online privacy.
Free services have invasive privacy policies that allow them to harvest and sell your data to anybody willing to pay, those services also lie about the level of encryption they provide. In addition, free services have been found to suffer from data leaks that allow your ISP to know what you are doing online, and they even have apps that contain adware.
Using this kind of free services with WhatsApp is extremely risky, because it could allow your government to find out you have been evading VoIP restriction rules. That is why it is essential to stick to a premium VPN that has strong privacy and security features. The ones in this guide even have a money-back guarantee so you can trial them.
In addition, a few premium VPNs actually have a limited free plan. Those plans are there to advertise what the VPN can do, giving potential subscribers a chance to use the VPN. However, because those plans are only there as a taster for the service, they have limitations that make them generally unsuitable for making WhatsApp calls. Those limitations include:
- Data limits – some services cap the amount of data you are allowed to download via the VPN.
- A limited number of server – you won't have access to their full server list.
- Bandwidth restrictions – Some services implement bandwidth restrictions which can slow your internet connection down.
To find out more about free VPNs that are completely safe to use, please click on the link.
Get a premium service without the cost!
If you want the benefits of a premium VPN service without putting your cash on the line, take advantage of our chosen providers' money-back guarantees. That way, you can test each service and see which one suits you best!
Why do I need a VPN for WhatsApp?
A Virtual Private Network is a service that allows you to overcome online blocks and restrictions. Because of this, you'll be able to regain access to WhatsApp in locations where it is blocked. A VPN will also improve your online privacy and prevent your ISP, the government, or hackers from monitoring what you're up to on the internet.
If you want to unblock WhatsApp in a country that restricts access to the app then you should choose a VPN with strong encryption and a good privacy policy. This will ensure that your government or internet service provider can't find out you're accessing the app.
Unfortunately, many VPNs have rubbish privacy policies and/or badly implemented VPN encryption. If you are looking to unblock WhatsApp in a country that blocks the service, it is vitally important that you do your research before downloading a VPN to use with WhatsApp.
We've carefully selected the VPNs in this guide because they have watertight privacy policies and military-grade encryption OpenVPN encryption. They also have strong no-logs policies and stealth servers to ensure you stay private and secure online.
Is unblocking WhatsApp legal?
In some places around the world, unblocking WhatsApp is illegal and could get you in trouble with the law. This is why it is essential to use a reliable VPN with strong security features and obfuscation.
Using a VPN, your data is more secure. And the VPN will allow you to unblock and use WhatsApp without your ISP finding out. This is a strong layer of privacy. However, it is also worth noting that some locations frown upon VPN use itself, which is why it is necessary to ensure you use both a kill switch and obfuscation to conceal VPN use as regular HTTPS traffic.
Some government authorities have arrested people for sending messages using WhatsApp. Most of the time, however, those charges relate to people who have sent illicit content such as explicit material, or libelous and defamatory content critical of the state or contrary to the cultural and religious beliefs of the country.
These kinds of arrests were not caused by the government decrypting people's WhatsApp messages. Instead, the authorities gained access to illegal messages from the message recipient – who tipped them off on purpose.
Unfortunately, this could actually still happen if you use WhatsApp with a VPN, because the recipient of a message always has the power to inform the police about what you have sent them. This is why you must always carefully consider who, and what you send in messages if they could get you in trouble with the police where you live.
Do I need stealth VPN if WhatsApp is blocked in my country?
If you're trying to access WhatsApp in countries that have banned it, and/or operate mass surveillance and censorship, then we recommend using a VPN with robust obfuscation (stealth) technology. This is great for getting around government firewalls and preventing bandwidth throttling from your ISP. We've selected the VPNs in this guide because they have excellent privacy policies and provide strong encryption.
That technology is very useful when using a VPN in the UAE, Iran, China, and other nations that block the use of VPNs. Stealth mode disguises VPN-encrypted web traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. Your VPN's stealth mode is a vital feature for anyone living in a location where privacy is paramount – so be sure to make good use of it!
In addition, all the VPNs that we've selected have very fast servers located all around the world. These are perfect for sending and receiving larger files like videos, and for doing video messaging with your friends.
At the end of the day, it's up to you which VPN you choose. Thankfully, all the VPNs for WhatsApp in this guide have money-back guarantees and VPN free trials. That means you can test whichever you like without risk before deciding on which one you prefer.
Where is WhatsApp banned – Countries and some school/workplaces
According to Freedom House, the following locations have banned WhatsApp either temporarily or permanently:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- China
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Montenegro
- Saudi Arabia
- The Gambia
- Turkey
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
Additionally, some nations that permit WhatsApp ban people from using its voice-calling (VoIP) feature. This is done because of the pressure put on governments by telecommunications companies. Those nations are:
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Morocco
- The United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
You can unblock this feature by using a VPN for WhatsApp.
In addition to these government restrictions, it is worth noting that WhatsApp may sometimes be blocked by schools or workplaces to ensure that people arent sending messages unnecessarily when they are supposed to be studying or working.
A VPN can allow you to bypass these blocks, so that you can use WhatsApp if you want to – without the local network administrator finding out.
What to do if WhatsApp isn't working with your VPN
If WhatsApp isn't working with your current VPN, then you may need to unsubscribe and instead choose one of the VPNs in this guide. If you are already using a VPN that is known to work with WhatsApp then we recommend that you follow the tips below to get it working:
- Restart your device.
- Uninstall and reinstall your VPN.
- Contact your VPN to find out which server is best to use with WhatsApp (or try a few different servers to find one that works).
- Try a different encryption setting.
- Ensure that obfuscation is switched on inside your VPN app.
- Clear your WhatsApp's cache in settings.
- Update WhatsApp or reinstall it.
Best WhatsApp VPN: Conclusion
All over the world, people want to use Facebook’s WhatsApp messenger with a VPN. Doing so allows anybody to use the messenger in locations where it is blocked by the government.
The VPNs in this article have been specially selected because they have fast servers all over the world for unblocking WhatsApp. In addition, all these VPNs are trustworthy, have close to 100% uptime on all their servers, and have fantastic customer support.
Due to the fact that unblocking WhatsApp may be frowned upon in some countries, we have included VPNs that have a kill switch and stealth mode. The kill switch cuts out your internet connection to make sure that no data is leaked if the VPN connection drops. Stealth mode conceals VPN-encrypted traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, so that the ISP doesn't recognize it.
Depending on where you live, you may want to use these features, so please be sure to read through the summaries carefully to make sure you get the right VPN for you.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for WhatsApp. It's the fastest VPN that we test, it's got fantastic apps, and has stealth servers.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure VPN for WhatsApp. It has proven in court that it doesn't keep logs and has advanced security features.
- Surfshark - The cheapest VPN for WhatsApp. It's jam-packed with features, super-secure, and has great VPN apps.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy to use and great value-for-money VPN for WhatsApp. It has strong security features and great apps.
- VyprVPN - Has easy-to-use apps for all major platforms and offers strong encryption for WhatsApp.
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