The problem is, most VPNs can’t connect in China or bypass firewalls. Only a few will work — but I don’t condone violating any policies, so only use a VPN when you’re allowed to do so. Out of over 30 VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is #1 since it has the highest speeds for smooth WhatsApp video calls and keeps chats secure and anonymous (even in China). It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can buy ExpressVPN in confidence. Get ExpressVPN for WhatsApp
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for WhatsApp in 2023
Access WhatsApp with ExpressVPN
Top VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Top VPN With the Fastest Connection Speeds for Perfect WhatsApp Video Calls
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the best VPN for WhatsApp because of its blazing-fast performance for lag-free video chats, clear voice calls, and fast video and file sharing. During speed tests on servers all around the world, my results averaged over 300Mbps on local servers. At 200Mbps even on long-distance servers (which are slower than local ones), my speeds were far beyond the minimum required for video calls with no skipping, drop-outs, or pixelation. Plus, I got consistent speed results when I tested at different times of day. It’s worrying that although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, it still logs some of your metadata in certain situations. That’s why I was relieved after my tests, which showed that ExpressVPN has the industry’s top security and privacy features to keep your data safe:
256-bit military-grade encryption that hides your metadata and prevents hackers from infiltrating your devices while you use WhatsApp IP leak prevention so your real location and IP address are never exposed during chats No-log servers that never store your message data, phone number or other information A Network Lock that protects your privacy even on unsteady networks Its privacy-friendly location in the British Virgin Islands is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance countries that collect and share your chat activities with foreign intelligence agencies
Besides WhatsApp, ExpressVPN is also able to access Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Pinterest, Reddit, Slack, Twitch, and other social media sites. It even works in countries like China where many apps are blocked by firewalls and most VPNs can’t connect. Whether you chat using WhatsApp on a computer, smartphone, or other device, ExpressVPN has native apps for all major operating systems that I found very easy to use. You can also connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. During my tests I connected on the maximum number of devices and started some WhatsApp video chats, and they were all perfectly smooth. I also found ExpressVPN easy to set up and use. Once it’s installed just open the app, tap the big button to connect, and open WhatsApp. If you need help there are tons of step-by-step setup guides, video tutorials, and 24/7 live chat support on ExpressVPN’s website. The one downside to ExpressVPN is that it’s slightly more expensive compared to other top WhatsApp VPNs. But since it’s the #1 VPN for WhatsApp, you’ll get the best security, speed, and server availability for the price. The speed and reliability make it more than worth it. To get the best value, get ExpressVPN’s 1-year + 3 months plan for WhatsApp for $6.67 per month. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I requested a refund via the 24/7 live chat, a support agent processed it in a minute and I got my money back in 3 days. Try ExpressVPN with WhatsApp
2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Keep WhatsApp Data Away From Third Parties
Key Features: CyberGhost has NoSpy servers that keep your WhatsApp data hidden from third parties and protected from abuse by dishonest data farms. NoSpy servers are fully owned by CyberGhost and managed internally in Romania, a country with no data retention laws. Other VPNs use servers that are rented from third-party companies, which could be neglected by administrators or abused by dishonest employees. My tests confirmed that CyberGhost’s security and privacy features really work, and keep my WhatsApp messages anonymous. They include:
256-bit military-grade encryption so your chats stay hidden from hackers and eavesdroppers Split tunneling lets you message on WhatsApp anonymously while using your real IP address on other apps that need your real location to work A kill switch to prevent devices from making unprotected connections that reveal your identity Automatic protection from DNS connections that cause your real IP address to be visible to third parties
In addition to looking for DNS leaks, I also tested WebRTC and IPv6 connections. No matter which CyberGhost server I used, I only saw CyberGhost’s encrypted IP address during my tests. This confirmed that my real IP address stayed hidden. Since it has over 9633+ servers in 91 countries, CyberGhost gives you fast connections even if you’re traveling because there’s always a server nearby. Testing servers in Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia, I got average speeds over 76Mbps. With performance like this, WhatsApp always delivers reliable text messaging, clear voice calling, and smooth video calls when CyberGhost is connected. The only small problem I encountered was that CyberGhost’s long-distance servers weren’t as fast as ExpressVPN’s were. On server locations over 4,000 miles away, WhatsApp calls were still clear but I had occasional pixelation during video chats. Still, it’s a solid VPN for staying anonymous on WhatsApp because of its NoSpy servers. If you want to give CyberGhost a try for WhatsApp, the best deal is the 2-year + 2 months plan for $2.19 per month. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can use CyberGhost for free and then get a refund when you’re done. I asked for my money via 24/7 live chat after testing CyberGhost for a few weeks and an agent approved my request within 2 minutes. I got my money back in 5 days. Try CyberGhost with WhatsApp
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Network of Global Locations to Access WhatsApp From Anywhere
Key Features: PIA has one of the largest server networks to access WhatsApp reliably. With over 35000 servers in 84 countries like the UK, US, Australia, and South Africa, it’s easy to stay updated with WhatsApp group chats or make international calls for free while traveling. When I tested PIA’s speed, WhatsApp’s bandwidth-intensive features like video calls and video sharing were usually smooth. Averaging over 30Mbps download speeds on both local and faraway servers, I hardly noticed any change with PIA’s compared to my typical internet speed when I tested text-based messages and gifs. My video calls had only very mild lag, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the conversation. With PIA, you can secure your WhatsApp conversations on up to 10 devices at the same time whether you call on Android, iOS, or another operating system. I was able to install its apps quickly and connect to a server in a few seconds. Complementing its large server network and high speeds, the VPN also protects your connection and hides your data with:
256-bit military-grade encryption for safe, anonymous chats even when you use public WiFi Protection from IP address leaks to keep your location and other details private MACE blocks dangerous malware and suspicious links you receive from unknown contacts or hackers via WhatsApp A kill switch that protects your privacy in WhatsApp when your internet connection is unstable
The only downside to PIA is that it’s headquartered in the US. This is the heart of the 5 Eyes Alliance, which watches internet users and shares the data with other countries. However, since PIA doesn’t keep any logs, your data can’t be collected. It’s also affordable, with a plan for $2.19 per month that gives you the most budget-friendly price. To try its servers with WhatsApp, get PIA’s affordable 2-year + 2 months plan. It’s risk-free because all PIA subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I asked for a refund using an online form after using the VPN for over 2 weeks, and got a confirmation email within an hour. I got my money back in 4 days. Try PIA with WhatsApp
4. PrivateVPN — Stealth Mode Provides Access to WhatsApp in Places Where VPNs are Blocked
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth Mode can unblock WhatsApp even in China and other countries where VPNs are banned. By making data look like regular traffic, it hides that users are connected to a VPN to enable global access to WhatsApp and other chat software. I don’t condone breaking any laws or using a VPN to get around censorship blocks, but Stealth Mode makes it seamless to use WhatsApp even in places with firewalled internet access. Besides its Stealth Mode, PrivateVPN also has these security and privacy essentials:
IP leak protection that I verified with my own DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC tests A strict no-log policy so your chats and video calls remain private A kill switch to prevent your data from unexpectedly being revealed AES 256-bit and 128-bit encryption modes if you want to emphasize security or speed
Whether you use WhatsApp on Windows, Mac, Android or iOS, PrivateVPN has a working app. It took me under 2 minutes each to get it set up on iOS, Android, and Windows-based devices. You can even log in on up to10 platforms simultaneously without a VPN disconnection ending your WhatsApp chat prematurely. The main drawback to PrivateVPN is that its network is smaller compared to other VPNs for WhatsApp. I never experienced slowdowns from server congestion, but my average and top speeds weren’t as fast as ExpressVPN. However, PrivateVPN’s lower price means it’s a good option for anyone who needs a VPN to unblock WhatsApp in China. If you only need a WhatsApp VPN for a short time, PrivateVPN’s affordable 1-month plan makes it one of the best monthly VPNs. But I found an even better value for your money if you get PrivateVPN’s longer 3-year subscription, which costs $2.00 per month. Plus, new sign-ups get a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I asked for a refund via email, it took less than an hour to get a reply from support. After confirming that I wanted to cancel, my money was returned in 5 days. This proved that you can try PrivateVPN with WhatsApp for free. Try PrivateVPN with WhatsApp
5. IPVanish — Use WhatsApp Seamlessly on All Your Devices at Once
Key Features: IPVanish allows you to chat on WhatsApp on as many devices as you need. Its unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to chat on all your devices without being logged out. Better yet, my speed wasn’t affected even when I sent WhatsApp messages on 8 platforms at once. With speeds of 60-80Mbps on server locations around the world, even my video chats had only a few moments of minor lag. When I changed from OpenVPN to the WireGuard protocol and tested a WhatsApp video call, it improved my security when I called a friend on public WiFi. The VPN didn’t expose my IP address when my device switched from WiFi to cellular data, which can happen on other protocols. In addition to its selection of security tunnels, IPVanish also has these features to keep your connection safe and your chats hidden on WhatsApp:
256-bit military-grade encryption that makes your connection nearly impossible to hack The 1 year plan includes added ransomware and malware protection to prevent malicious links sent via WhatsApp from harming your devices A no-log policy audited by third-party cybersecurity experts to confirm that servers never store your data Automatic kill switch to keep your chats private even on unsteady networks
One con to IPVanish is that you can’t pay anonymously with cryptocurrency. However, none of your chats or WhatsApp activities will be traceable to your real identity. Plus, you can easily subscribe to IPVanish using credit cards or PayPal. I recommend the 1 year plan at $3.99 per month because it’s the most affordable. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I requested a refund by logging into my account and canceling my yearly plan on the control panel, I was approved immediately and I got my money back in 8 days. Try IPVanish with WhatsApp
How to Find the Best VPN for WhatsApp
I tested more than 30 VPN providers including the top VPNs on the market to find the ones that worked best for WhatsApp. These were the criteria I used:
Strong security and privacy features — I found VPNs with 256-bit encryption to hide your chat data. Your VPN also needs IP leak protection, a no-logging policy, and an automatic kill switch to avoid your real location and identity from being revealed on WhatsApp. Global server network — VPNs with widespread servers across the world provide secure, reliable access to WhatsApp regardless of location. Fast speeds — You need fast performance for smooth WhatsApp voice and video calls. All VPNs reduce your internet speed slightly, but every VPN on this list exceeds the minimum speed to avoid frozen video chats and other glitches. Apps for popular devices — All the top VPNs have apps for the same platforms as WhatsApp, so you can chat anonymously on all your usual devices. Customer support — 24/7 live chat support makes it easy for you to get help if WhatsApp stops working. I also found VPNs that have an online knowledge base to troubleshoot problems fast.
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for WhatsApp
Unblock WhatsApp with ExpressVPN
3 Easy Steps to Unblock WhatsApp
Use ExpressVPN for WhatsApp
Why do schools and offices block WhatsApp?
Businesses and schools block WhatsApp to increase productivity. However, a top VPN can get past WhatsApp blocks in 3 steps even on censored networks or ones restricted by firewall software like Cyberoam, iBoss, and Sophos.
Where else is WhatsApp blocked?
Some countries where WhatsApp has been banned include: The best VPNs for WhatsApp have servers in many locations to make the app accessible from any location. If you’re traveling to a country where WhatsApp is blocked by national firewalls, be sure to research the government’s latest position on WhatsApp so you don’t break any laws.
Is it legal to use WhatsApp with a VPN?
In most countries it’s perfectly legal to access WhatsApp with a VPN. The few exceptions are the countries where WhatsApp is blocked. I don’t condone breaking the law by using a VPN to download or access WhatsApp, so always learn the rules before you connect to a server. Never use a VPN to hide illegal activities on WhatsApp or to violate censorship regulations. Even with a VPN, you’re still liable if you do use WhatsApp in countries where it’s blocked or share illicit material in chats.
Does WhatsApp keep my data secure and private?
Yes, but for complete anonymity you need one of the best VPNs for WhatsApp. The app’s end-to-end encryption ensures none of your messages, photos, videos, or calls on the platform can be seen by third parties, but there are some limits to its privacy features. WhatsApp is part of the Meta group of companies like Facebook and Instagram that share data with one another. These sites collect your phone number, IP address, device type, and transaction details if you make a purchase on the platform. That was concerning, so I read WhatsApp’s privacy policy from start to finish and saw that if you contact a business on WhatsApp, your message won’t be encrypted. That’s because messages to business accounts are stored on Facebook’s servers, outside of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Finally, WhatsApp generates new encryption keys and updates the security parameters when you transfer your account to a new phone or device. This allows you access to messages stored in your old phone, but causes a security law where Facebook employees could potentially see some of your messages. A top WhatsApp VPN like ExpressVPN has all the security and privacy features you need to stay completely anonymous and not worry about WhatsApp’s privacy issues.
Why isn’t WhatsApp working with my VPN?
Try these steps:
Test for DNS leaks — Data leaks are a primary cause of WhatsApp staying blocked even when a VPN is connected. The top VPNs on this list are unlikely to have leaks, but restarting the VPN and trying a different server should fix the problem. Check the server location — Some countries block WhatsApp, so make sure the VPN is connected to a server in the US, Europe, or Australia before opening WhatsApp. Contact the VPN provider — If none of these ideas resolve the problem, a support agent might be able to help. Sometimes, opening an alternative port or server can help you regain rightful access to WhatsApp. All my tried-and-tested WhatsApp VPNs have 24/7 chat support, so it’s easy to get further help if you need it.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock WhatsApp?
No, not usually — although the best free VPNs might be able to unblock WhatsApp, they won’t be reliable and have too many limits to be practical. Without enough money to invest in the latest server technology, free VPNs can’t afford advanced enough networks to bypass blocks in countries with strong firewalls. Free VPN providers also have limited networks that result in overcrowded servers with slow performance. With too many users on servers at once, making clear voice or video calls becomes impossible. Even scarier, a few free VPNs contain malware that give hackers access to your data. Other unethical free VPN providers secretly sell your data to make money, risking your security and privacy. It isn’t worth the risk — I recommend taking advantage of a premium VPN’s refund policy to use it for free and then ask for a refund. For example, you can use CyberGhost for free with its 45-day money-back guarantee. Just use the 24/7 live chat to get your subscription fee back when you’re done using it with WhatsApp.
Try CyberGhost for WhatsApp
Final Word
WhatsApp is blocked in many places including schools, offices, and certain countries, but it’s still possible to use it to chat from anywhere. The one way to access WhatsApp regardless of geographic location is by connecting to a VPN. It’s hard to find a VPN with servers strong enough to reliably unblock the app with fast speeds and still keep your chat data hidden. I tested over 30 VPNs to find ones that worked and ExpressVPN is the best for WhatsApp, with top-notch speeds along with industry-leading security and privacy features. When you subscribe to ExpressVPN, it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can buy with confidence. If you aren’t satisfied, you can get your refund processed in only a minute using 24/7 live chat.
