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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
WhatsApp is restricted or banned in several countries. For example, China, Iran, and North Korea block it completely, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar restrict its VoIP features like calls and voice notes. Even in regions where it works, schools and workplaces often block the app on their networks. On top of that, WhatsApp collects user data and has faced multiple breaches despite using end-to-end encryption.
A VPN solves these problems. Encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address helps you bypass restrictions, access WhatsApp anywhere, and secure your messages, calls, and media.
Here’s why you need a VPN for WhatsApp:
✅ Unblock WhatsApp Anywhere – Countries like China, Syria, and Iran block the app entirely, while others restrict its features. A VPN lets you access it freely.
✅ Enable Voice Messages and Calls – Middle Eastern countries restrict VoIP features such as calls and voice notes. A VPN restores these functions.
✅ Access Other Messaging Apps – Governments sometimes block free messaging apps to promote local telecoms. A VPN lets you bypass these barriers.
✅ Encrypt Your Chats and Media – Even with WhatsApp’s encryption, breaches can occur. A VPN adds another layer of security for texts, photos, and videos.
✅ Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi – Open networks are a common target for hackers. A VPN protects your data from interception.
In this article, we’ll share the 5 best VPNs for WhatsApp, explain how to set one up, and help you choose the right provider for secure, unrestricted messaging.
WhatsApp officially recommends using a VPN if you're unable to connect due to network issues. This is listed alongside proxy servers and switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data as valid troubleshooting methods. VPNs are not only supported, they’re part of WhatsApp’s own help documentation for restoring access.
WhatsApp’s terms prohibit using its services in countries or territories where such access violates local laws or international sanctions. Meta’s export compliance policy bans service use by individuals on restricted parties lists or in regions under U.S. or non-U.S. trade sanctions. Location may be determined through IP proxying or other methods, meaning VPN misuse in restricted zones can trigger enforcement.
Free VPNs often compromise speed, transparency, and data security. For safe, reliable access, follow our recommendations, we’ve tested these VPNs thoroughly across WhatsApp platforms and only endorse those that meet our benchmarks for speed, safety, and user trust.
If you’re facing connection issues on WhatsApp then a VPN can restore access instantly. WhatsApp itself lists VPNs as a valid workaround when your network isn’t working. But not every VPN is built to handle WhatsApp reliably. Some trigger connection drops, others leak your IP, and most free ones pose privacy risks that aren’t worth the trade-off. Then how to select the best ones? Well, here is the list that can help you out in selecting the best VPNs for WhatsApp:
✔ Unblock WhatsApp anywhere – Access the app even in countries with messaging bans
✔ Wide server network – Switch locations easily and find stable connections worldwide
✔ Strong encryption – Protect your chats, calls, and media with AES-256 and modern VPN protocols
✔ Avoid connection failures – Get around IP-based blocks with fresh, clean server IPs
✔ Travel-friendly access – Use WhatsApp abroad without interruptions
✔ Stable mobile apps – Smooth performance on both Android and iOS
✔ Optimized for real-time messaging – No lag during calls or media sharing
✔ Strict no-logs policy – Keeps your conversations private
✔ Obfuscated servers – Bypass censorship in restrictive regions
✔ Kill switch – Prevents accidental IP leaks if your VPN disconnects
✔ Multi-device support – Use WhatsApp across phone, tablet, and desktop
✔ Fast, consistent speeds – Seamless messaging and voice/video calls
✔ Money-back guarantee – At least 30 days to test risk-free
✔ 24/7 customer support – Help available if WhatsApp stops working with your VPN
After extensive testing across multiple devices and regions, we’ve shortlisted the top 5 VPNs for WhatsApp in 2025. These picks aren’t sponsored; rather, they’re based on real-world performance, privacy standards, and platform compatibility.
NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock WhatsApp, with an extensive server network of 7,400+ servers in 118 countries. This fleet includes 1970+ servers in the US, where WhatsApp has its headquarters, and 440+ UK servers. These servers can easily unblock WhatsApp and similar apps like Telegram, including their VoIP services if they are restricted in your region.
This VPN protects your online data with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 , a kill switch, and leak protection. Plus, it adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has dedicated obfuscated servers to give you access to WhatsApp on restrictive networks. You can choose from protocols like NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN.
In addition, NordVPN protects you from malicious domains, harmful trackers, and adware with its Threat Protection feature. Plus, you can increase your online security two-fold with its Double VPN feature.
It allows 10 simultaneous connections and consistently delivers fast speeds to connect your household devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones at the same time without any connectivity or lag issues. All these features allow it to deliver the most reliable performance overall among all VPNs on this list.
Moreover, NordVPN has got all your issues covered with very responsive 24/7 customer support, including a bot feature and the option to talk to a live agent anytime. It has a solid 30-day money-back guarantee to test all its features without any financial risk.
NordVPN Features That Make WhatsApp Safer, Faster, and Fully Accessible:
PROS
CONS
Surfshark is a great WhatsApp VPN. Its network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries includes 600+ servers in the US and 212 in the UK. You can easily access WhatsApp and its restricted VoIP services from anywhere. It can also unblock other restricted messaging apps like Telegram, Line, Viber, and Skype.
It protects your online privacy by adhering to a strict no-logs policy and offering features like AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 and a kill switch. Plus, Surfshark supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN for secure data transmission. Like NordVPN’s Threat Protection, its CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, trackers, and other phishing attempts.
Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode provides automatic obfuscation that allows it to work on restrictive networks. In addition, its NoBorders Mode also helps bypass network firewalls by displaying a list of servers that would perform the best under those conditions. It also has a dynamic Multi-Hop feature that allows you to choose both servers, unlike other VPNs.
Moreover, it has fast that allows it to deliver dependable overall performance. You may sometimes encounter a server that is a bit slow to connect initially, but it will operate effectively afterward. Another benefit of Surfshark is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections to protect all your devices like mobiles, tablets, and computers.
You can test Surfshark with its 30-day money-back guarantee. In case you run into any problems, it has round-the-clock customer support service to help troubleshoot and solve all your issues.
WhatsApp: Surfshark Features That Enhance Your Messaging
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ExpressVPN has recently expanded its server network of undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. This covers the entire US and 5 in the UK, which allow it to reliably unblock WhatsApp and other messaging platforms like Telegram from anywhere. Plus, this VPN for WhatsApp call services works well if you live in a region where its VoIP features are blocked.
It is a very easy-to-use VPN with a minimal interface but has all the required security features to keep your online data safe. These features include AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305, an automatic kill switch, and OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. Like NordLynx, Lightway is a proprietary protocol developed by ExpressVPN to deliver better speeds and security.
Plus, it safeguards your online privacy by strictly following a no-logs policy. You can also use it on restrictive networks or firewalls, as it has automatic obfuscation. Previously, its Threat Manager could only block malware, but ExpressVPN has now upgraded this feature to an adware, malware, and tracker blocker.
In addition, it is compatible with all devices like computers, tablets, mobiles, routers, etc. However, it only offers up to 8 simultaneous connections. It has some of the best speeds on our list and offers 24/7 customer support, allowing ExpressVPN to deliver impressive performance in all our tests. Lastly, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing starts at $4.99 per month per 24 months.
ExpressVPN Features That Can Help WhatsApp Users
PROS
CONS
Proton VPN makes it simple to bypass WhatsApp restrictions in regions where the app or its VoIP features are blocked. Its 9,600+ servers in 117 countries (including multiple US locations) ensure fast and reliable connections, so you can chat, share media, and make calls without interruptions. For added privacy, it offers Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries, protecting you from surveillance.
Proton VPN relies on advanced AES-256 and ChaCha20 ciphers and includes a reliable kill switch to keep your WhatsApp activity private. It strictly enforces a no-logs policy and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Stealth. While it doesn’t feature dedicated obfuscation, the Stealth protocol (available on select platforms) helps bypass strict firewalls, making it a strong option for unblocking WhatsApp in restricted regions.
This VPN also offers NetShield, which blocks malware, ads, and trackers, ensuring WhatsApp runs cleaner and faster. Automatic Wi-Fi protection secures your messages and calls on public hotspots, while custom profiles let you configure Proton VPN to open WhatsApp with your preferred server automatically.
You can install Proton VPN on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers, with up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Proton VPN’s 24 months subscription starts at $3.59 per month. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. And if you ever need assistance, Proton VPN provides responsive customer support via email along with a detailed knowledge base.
WhatsApp VPN Features That Keep You Connected Anywhere
PROS
CONS
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest network available on the market. It offers undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries, including 50+ server locations in the US and 3 in the UK. This means it can reliably unblock WhatsApp and its VoIP services from anywhere. Plus, it can give you access to other apps like Telegram and Viber if they are blocked in your country.
The VPN safeguards your data with customizable security features like AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20. In addition to a regular kill switch, PIA has an advanced kill switch to block your Internet connection until you connect to the VPN first. Plus, it keeps your data private with a strict no-logs policy and employs WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2).
PIA offers a Multi-hop feature to obfuscate your traffic using the Shadowsocks proxy. This type of obfuscation provides better speeds but is less effective than traditional obfuscated servers. This VPN for WhatsApp can also block ads, malware, and trackers with its MACE feature.
This provider allows unlimited simultaneous connections for all your daily-use devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It is, unfortunately, the slowest VPN on our list, but it still has reliable performance overall. Lastly, it offers 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
WhatsApp VPN Features That Keep You Connected and Secure
PROS
CONS
To unblock WhatsApp with a VPN, you must first find one that can reliably bypass WhatsApp restrictions. After that, install it and connect to any of its servers in a country where the app is available. You can follow these easy steps to use WhatsApp from anywhere:
WhatsApp is the most popular social messaging app, but it's blocked in some countries like China and North Korea. Plus, some regions like the UAE have restricted its VoIP features. Despite Whatsapp using end-to-end encryption, its security has been breached multiple times in the past, exposing the data of millions of users to hackers. A VPN can solve all these issues.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for WhatsApp. It has fast speeds that can support seamless audio and video calls. Plus, its reliable servers in 60 countries can unblock WhatsApp from anywhere, so you’ll have unrestricted access.
Surfshark excels for unlimited devices, letting you connect WhatsApp simultaneously across all your gadgets. ExpressVPN delivers ultra-fast access with servers in 105+ countries, ensuring seamless messaging, voice, and video transfers. Proton VPN prioritizes privacy with speed-optimized servers. Private Internet Access offers a vast server network and advanced features like split tunneling and port forwarding, giving power users full control over their WhatsApp connections.
Some Additional Guides for Your Reference:
That's all for our guide on the best VPN for WhatsApp. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!