Danica Djokic
Updated on: April 20, 2025
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: It lets you use all of WhatsApp’s features from any location, including places and networks where the app is restricted. It can even access WhatsApp in countries that restrict both VPNs and the WhatsApp app. All first-time users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
My VPN picks for WhatsApp let you access WhatsApp from anywhere, including on networks and in countries that block the app or stop you from making audio and video calls. They also have fast speeds for lag-free WhatsApp calls and chats.
I tested many VPNs with WhatsApp, but my favorite is ExpressVPN. It allows uninterrupted access to WhatsApp, including on networks that restrict VoIP and block VPNs. That said, my other picks are excellent alternatives. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for WhatsApp
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for WhatsApp in 2025
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is the top choice for unrestricted WhatsApp access. It can access WhatsApp on networks that block it, like schools and workplaces, and works reliably in countries that restrict or ban WhatsApp voice and video calls.
Its obfuscation is a bonus if you’re in a location where VPN use is restricted, such as China or Iran. It disguises VPN traffic as normal internet use, which allows you to use all of WhatsApp’s features undetected — and it’s automatically enabled. ExpressVPN has a large server network in 105 countries, allowing you to connect easily to a region where WhatsApp and its VoIP features are accessible.
ExpressVPN has the fastest VPN speeds, making it perfect for long-distance WhatsApp video calls. This is thanks to its Lightway protocol, which uses minimal code that runs faster and uses fewer system resources.
I like its Shortcuts feature for WhatsApp — it lets you create a 1-click shortcut to the app on desktop and mobile after you connect to the VPN. Plus, its Smart Location automatically picks the fastest server based on your location for lag-free WhatsApp calls and messages.
Finally, ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature lets you route only WhatsApp through the VPN, so you can keep the rest of your traffic on your regular connection without encrypting it. This is great if you only want the VPN for WhatsApp calls, keeping speeds fast for everything else.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for WhatsApp. It has a large global server network so you can always connect in regions where WhatsApp is accessible. Its obfuscation allows it to access WhatsApp in places where both the app and VPNs are blocked, and it has the best speeds on the market for smooth voice and video WhatsApp calls.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Customizable Speeds for Smoother WhatsApp Calls
Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you fine-tune speeds for smoother WhatsApp calls. You can lower encryption to 128-bit for faster speeds without sacrificing essential security. This makes a big difference for voice and video calls on WhatsApp when your internet isn’t at its best, like if you’re on a crowded Wi-Fi network or using an older phone.
PIA is a great option for audio and video calls on WhatsApp on networks and in countries that restrict VoIP. It has servers in 91 countries, giving you plenty of options to find a nearby server for smooth WhatsApp calls.
Its apps make it easy to find the best connection, too. You can configure the VPN to auto-connect to a nearby server on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which is convenient if you regularly chat on WhatsApp on the go. I also really like how its iOS app includes a Siri shortcut that allows you to connect to a server with voice commands.
PIa supports obfuscation, too, via Shadowsocks on select servers, helping you bypass VPN blocks — though this feature isn’t available on iOS.
PIA also includes an Identity Guard feature, which checks if the email tied to your WhatsApp backups has been exposed in a data breach. It’s a quick way to monitor account safety and respond if your info is compromised.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access is great for improving WhatsApp call quality, especially on slower or congested networks. Its large server network makes it easy to connect to regions that allow access to WhatsApp, and its Shadowsocks obfuscation helps bypass both VoIP and VPN blocks on restrictive networks and in censorship-heavy countries.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editors’ Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — A Great Pick for First-Time WhatsApp VPN Users
CyberGhost VPN is a great choice for WhatsApp users seeking a beginner-friendly VPN. On Android, it can automatically connect to the VPN on unknown Wi-Fi networks. iOS users get a handy home screen widget, so you can connect with one tap without even opening the app — perfect for starting WhatsApp voice and video calls quickly and without interruptions.
Its server network spans 100 countries, so you can easily connect to a nearby server and access WhatsApp, even on networks or ISPs that block it or restrict its calling feature. This means you can make WhatsApp calls without any issues.
However, it lacks obfuscation technology. If you want to access WhatsApp in restrictive places like China or Iran, it’s better to check out ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access.
CyberGhost also includes an Identity Guard tool that checks whether the email you use for WhatsApp backups has been involved in a data breach. If a breach is detected, it flags the issue so you can take action quickly.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost is a great choice for WhatsApp users who are new to VPNs, thanks to its intuitive apps. It’s got a great server network but doesn’t work in countries that block VPNs.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors’ Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Excellent VPN for WhatsApp Web
NordVPN is a great pick if you use WhatsApp on desktop. Its Windows and Mac apps feature an interactive map with location bubbles, making it easier to connect to a server without digging through menus. This is especially useful if you travel and regularly switch regions.
NordVPN offers servers in 118 countries, with lots of server locations where access to WhatsApp and all of its features, like audio and video call support, is unrestricted.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is an excellent pick for WhatsApp Web, with fast, intuitive desktop apps and thoughtful features like map-based server selection. I also found its split-tunneling on the browser extension very useful for WhatsApp Web.
5. Surfshark — Tons of Extras to Make Using WhatsApp More Convenient
Surfshark offers a variety of useful tools to enhance your WhatsApp experience. My favorite is the IP Rotator that regularly changes your VPN IP address without disconnecting you. If you use WhatsApp Web frequently, it makes it harder for governments, ISPs, or network administrators to link your activity across multiple sessions or tie them to you as a single user.
Surfshark’s NoBorders Mode is helpful if you’re trying to access WhatsApp on school, work, or public Wi-Fi that restricts WhatsApp access. You also get its Camouflage Mode, which is better suited for more aggressive restrictions as it uses obfuscation for hiding both VPN and WhatsApp traffic — though, I think ExpressVPN is the better choice for censorship-heavy countries.
Surfshark’s GPS spoofing on Android can be especially useful if you want your WhatsApp location to match a specific country. For example, when setting up a new WhatsApp account, the app may use location data to suggest country codes or local contacts — spoofing your GPS helps align that with your chosen region. It can also help you avoid regional content restrictions or access features that may only be available in certain countries.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is a versatile VPN for WhatsApp users who want more control over access, privacy, and location. Its IP Rotator and GPS spoofing features offer extra privacy on WhatsApp Web and during account setup, while NoBorders and Camouflage Modes help bypass restrictions on school, work, or public networks.
Read our full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To find the best VPNs for WhatsApp, I followed our strict VPN testing methodology to evaluate each provider’s performance, security, and usability. I tested these VPNs across multiple devices and networks, including both mobile and desktop setups. My focus was to see how well they worked with WhatsApp features like voice and video calling, especially in restrictive environments. Here’s what I looked for:
- I verified each VPN’s ability to consistently unblock WhatsApp and its features. All of the VPNs I recommend provide uninterrupted access to WhatsApp across all my tests. I could make smooth and lag-free video and audio calls even on restricted networks or ISPs that throttle bandwidth.
- I checked the size and coverage of each VPN’s server network. A larger network gives you plenty of options to find a fast, reliable server near you. This helps you bypass restrictions from local networks or ISPs and ensures smooth access to WhatsApp.
- I made sure the VPNs work in regions that restrict WhatsApp and VPN traffic. Most VPNs I recommend here offer obfuscation, a feature that disguises VPN traffic as regular traffic to bypass VPN bans and restrictions. This also means you can use these VPNs to access WhatsApp in countries like Iran.
- I tested each VPN’s speed on both local and distant servers. I wanted to make sure that WhatsApp video and voice calls stayed smooth, with no annoying lag. ExpressVPN stood out with its Lightway protocol, delivering the fastest speeds in my comparison.
- I explored extras like split-tunneling. All my top picks feature a split-tunneling tool, which lets you route only WhatsApp traffic through the VPN for smoother calls while keeping other apps unaffected.
- I checked the security and privacy features. I made sure that all the VPNs I recommend include military-grade encryption, RAM-only servers (which don’t store any user data), DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to ensure your data stays private and protected while using WhatsApp.
- I compared pricing and refund policies to find the best value. All the VPNs I listed offer affordable pricing plans and deals, lots of extra features, and a money-back guarantee.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- PrivateVPN. It works well in restrictive countries and has pretty good speeds for WhatsApp calls. However, it lacks useful extras like a split-tunneling tool, so you can’t control which apps use the VPN connection.
- TunnelBear. It’s a solid option for beginners and even offers a free plan, which can be handy for occasional WhatsApp use. I’m not a fan of its small server network, with servers in just 47 countries.
- ProtonVPN. It gives you a generous free plan and has feature-rich apps that work with WhatsApp. I don’t like that the money-back guarantee is prorated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is best for WhatsApp?
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for WhatsApp. It has a large server network that allows it to access WhatsApp and any features it offers (like making audio and video calls) from anywhere. Also, all of its servers have built-in obfuscation technology, which helps access your account in countries that block or limit WhatsApp and VPNs.
Do VPNs work on WhatsApp?
Yes, VPNs work perfectly with WhatsApp. The app doesn’t have any built-in blocks against VPNs, and all VPNs on my list can reliably access WhatsApp messaging, voice, and video calls.
How do I unblock WhatsApp with a VPN?
To access WhatsApp with a VPN, simply follow these steps: Pick one of the providers from my list, download it, and install your chosen apps.
If you’re on a network that restricts certain WhatsApp features you want to access, like throttling or blocking your audio and video calls on WhatsApp, connect to a server in a nearby location that doesn’t have these restrictions.
If your ISP blocks VPNs, too, you’ll need a VPN that offers obfuscation. This hides the fact that you’re even using a VPN, so you can access WhatsApp and make calls without detection or interruptions. ExpressVPN is a great option as it has built-in obfuscation on all servers.
Can I use a free VPN to access WhatsApp?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs often come with significant limitations, such as slower speeds, fewer server options, and weaker security features. These restrictions can lead to poor performance, especially for video and voice calls on WhatsApp. For a more reliable and secure experience, I recommend using a paid VPN. All of the VPN providers I recommend offer high speeds, a large server network, and good value for money.
