Back in the days when the internet had just started to bloom, a fantastic new technology emerged: the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The appearance of Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Viber, and Zoom changed the lives of millions. Free and paid VoIP services pushed telecommunication companies and governments against the wall.
Therefore, certain countries started blocking VoIP services – some completely, others only periodically. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are one of the most effective ways to bypass such restrictions. Furthermore, they encrypt your VoIP traffic, providing you with a high level of privacy and security against eavesdropping.
Join us as we uncover all you need to know about VoIP VPN services.
Best VPN for VoIP calls: shortlist
- The best VPN for VoIP9.6
- VoIP VPN with unlimited connections9.3
- PrivateVPN – all-rounder VPN for VoIP calls9.2
- VoIP VPN with a free version8.8
- Swiss-based VPN for calling8.4
Want to communicate freely but can’t access VoIP services? Follow the instructions below to unblock any communication platform with the best VoIP VPN!
How to set up a VPN for VoIP
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, now 68% off.
- Download the VPN client suitable for your operating system
- Connect to a server in a country where VoIP services aren’t blocked
- Talk freely and securely through any Voice over Internet Protocol platform you want!
Why do you need a VPN for VoIP apps?
The most obvious reason, of course, is to gain access to VoIP services in countries where they are blocked. While places like China and Iran have tough firewalls, they aren’t completely impenetrable, and VPNs are proof of that.
But that’s not the only benefit that premium VPNs provide by encrypting your internet connection and changing your IP address:
- Utmost privacy. Once your online communications go through an encrypted VPN tunnel, there’s no way for prying eyes to snoop on whatever you do or say. So, you can rest assured that no one’s spying on your calls and chats.
- Cheaper deals. You can save money by spoofing your location. You may get better prices in different places when you buy a flight ticket, a Netflix subscription, a product online, or even a VoIP account.
- No more throttling. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) tend to throttle bandwidth if you use up too much data. It can also happen when you’re using VoIP. But they can’t limit a client’s internet if they can’t see what they’re doing online.
- Bypassing geo-blocks. Of course, good VPNs for VoIP are useful for circumventing other restrictions as well. You’ll get access to foreign streaming libraries, off-limits platforms, P2P file-sharing websites, and more.
Best VPNs for VoIP: overview
The best VPNs for VoIP calls that made this list come with essential security features and excellent global server coverage. Another factor we considered is complete privacy from the provider’s side, so VPNs with strict no-logs policies weren’t overlooked either.
And since most users want their communications to be lag-free, the options below have the latest tunneling protocols that ensure excellent performance. Finally, broad device compatibility and multiple simultaneous connections are great for full household coverage.
1. NordVPN – top VPN to unblock VoIP apps
60
5800
24/7 live chat, Email
- NordLynx-fuelled speeds
- Anonymous payment options
- Independently-audited and secure
- Only six simultaneous connections
Hands down, NordVPN is the best VPN for VoIP services. It’s based in privacy-respecting Panama, operates under an independently-audited no-logs policy, and includes plenty of robust security features. And because there are plenty of connection points on all continents, you’ll never have trouble accessing any communication platform you want.
The fleet is certainly not lacking, with 5800+ servers across 60+ countries to pick from. Furthermore, all standard hardware is RAM-only, meaning they can’t store any data long-term. And with the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol powering the connections, expect extra smooth video and voice calls.
NordVPN offers a perfect mix of security-focused perks. Threat Protection ensures your devices don’t get infected with malware, while Double VPN encrypts your traffic twice for extra protection. If you live in a restrictive internet region like China, utilize obfuscated servers to hide all tracks of VPN usage and bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).
Apply a NordVPN discount code during checkout to pay no more than $3.49/month for this excellent VoIP VPN. Of course, you don’t have to commit right away – test the service with the 7-day free trial (Google Play Store). And when you subscribe, rest easy with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – VoIP VPN with top-notch security
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- No device limit
- Largest country coverage
- Plenty of features for low price
- Unaudited no-logs policy
Another excellent VPN for VoIP worthy of your attention is Surfshark VPN. It does not limit simultaneous connections, doesn’t collect information about its users, and offers superb performance. You can even use cryptocurrencies to pay for the subscription for maximum anonymity.
The provider supports the largest amount of regions in the industry – 3200+ RAM-only servers spanning a whopping 100+ countries. And you’ll get the best video experience no matter where you connect to. It is made possible thanks to the next-gen WireGuard protocol and Software Defined Networking (SDN), which ensure low latency.
With Camouflage and NoBorders modes, you’ll be able to use Surfshark in countries where such technologies are blocked. Other perks of this service include MultiHop (Double VPN), CleanWeb (ad & malware blocker), GPS Spoofing, and more. It even allows to bypass geo-blocks on devices that don’t support VPNs – Smart DNS takes care of everything.
$2.30/month won’t put a dent in your pocket, especially if you utilize a Surfshark VPN coupon to get a better deal. You can take this VoIP out for a spin first with the free 7-day trial, available via Google Play and Apple App Stores. And if you ever feel like it doesn’t live up to the hype, get a refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – versatile & cheap VPN for VoIP
63
200
24/7 live chat
- Bulletproof security features
- Great price-to-feature ratio
- Solid security
- Lacks WireGuard
As the name suggests, PrivateVPN will keep you anonymous whether you’re using VoIP or just surfing the web. Subscribers get all the necessary VPN features, optimal performance, and 10 simultaneous connections. There’s even an option to complete the transaction with Bitcoin if you need the purchase to remain untraceable to you.
Don’t be fooled by the moderate size of the network. While there are just 200+ servers in 63+ countries, you get all the suitable locations to unblock VoIP services. What’s more, the speeds remain great throughout the day due to the mix of the trusted OpenVPN protocol and High Quality Network (HQN), bought straight from the source.
One of the more crucial features of PrivateVPN is Stealth VPN. It can bypass even the toughest firewalls by hiding the fact you’re using a VPN in the first place. Another neat perk is Application Guard. It terminates your chosen applications if the secure connection drops because of an error.
Use a PrivateVPN code when purchasing this good VPN for VoIP to pay just $2.00/month. All subscriptions are protected with the 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free. You can also sate your curiosity with the 7-day free trial version, downloadable from the provider’s official website.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
4. Atlas VPN – best free VPN for VoIP
42
1000
Email, tickets, FAQ
- Great free version
- Can pay with cryptocurrencies
- Limitless connections
- No router firmware
Those looking for a VoIP VPN that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg will find Atlas VPN more than great. It’s one of the cheapest VPN services around, packed with powerful features to boot. Besides the fact there’s no device limit, another appealing aspect of this provider is the free version.
The sizable network of 750+ servers spread across 37+ countries gets the job done well. You’ll unblock every VoIP platform under the sun and then some. And you don’t have to fear that the calls will unexpectedly disconnect or suffer from constant freezes. The WireGuard tunneling protocol guarantees excellent connectivity throughout.
Now, for security. Atlas VPN offers Tracker Blocker, which defeats pesky ads and malicious software in one swell swoop. MultiHop+ routes all traffic over multiple rotating VPN locations, resulting in significantly enhanced privacy. Alternatively, you can achieve the same effect with SafeSwap servers, which regularly rotate your IP address.
Get this VPN for video calling for only $1.83/month after utilizing any of the Atlas VPN discount coupons. Try the free version first – it comes with a 5 GB GB/month data limit and 3 server locations. Or if that’s not enough, go premium instantly. You’ll suffer no losses, not with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Atlas VPN, read our Atlas VPN review.
5. Proton VPN – open-source VoIP VPN
69
3000
Email, knowledge base
- Amazing security credentials
- VPN Accelerator for best speeds
- Independently-audited no-logs policy
- Not suitable for streaming
Security-oriented folk will find Proton VPN especially appealing. A project created by CERN scientists, this VoIP VPN is based in Switzerland, has a third-party audited no-logs policy, and offers open-source apps. The cherry on top is that you can finalize the purchase with crypto and cash.
The fleet of 3000+ servers in 69+ countries is nothing to scoff at. Moreover, great performance and security are ensured no matter what you’re doing on the world wide web. It can be attributed to two things – the WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator. The latter works best when connecting over long distances, improving speeds up to 400%.
You’ll defeat censorship in seconds and access any VoIP with Smart Protocol. Other great Proton VPN perks include Netshield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple servers. You can even achieve total untraceability with Tor over VPN, which tunnels your connection through the Tor network.
Only $4.99/month is a steal for such a great VPN for VoIP calls. It’s also possible to get a better price with Proton VPN codes. Either way, commit from the get-go with the 30-day money-back guarantee or use the free version to familiarize yourself with the service. It comes with 3 server locations and a custom anti-censor protocol.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
How we selected VoIP VPNs
Not every VPN you come across on the net is cut out for the job. The service has to include several crucial aspects to unblock VoIPs and facilitate the best calling experience possible:
- Total security. If the provider doesn’t have the essential VPN feature trifecta, you’re not going to be hidden. AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection are mandatory for a reason.
- Enhanced privacy. A good VPN for VoIP must shield you from surveillance whilst not participating in it itself. Always look for a no-logs policy, especially if the service operates from a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. And extra points go to those with policies audited by independent & trusted third parties.
- Expansive global reach. Having multiple servers close by ensures better connectivity, thus fewer disconnected calls and lag. In terms of entertainment, it also allows users to gain access to a larger variety of foreign content.
- Stellar performance. Routing everything through a secure server naturally slows down your connection. This loss in speed is barely noticeable if the VoIP VPN utilizes the latest tunneling protocol like WireGuard. We also recommend checking potential performance via a VPN speed test tool, as every provider implements the same protocol differently.
- Additional perks. Depending on the service, these tools can be pretty versatile. If they are something you need, check whether the VPN has Double VPN, split tunneling, ad & malware blockers, obfuscation, specialized servers, and other handy features.
- Reasonable price. Don’t overpay for a VPN that doesn’t offer much regarding features or performance. But we also advise avoiding providers that give away completely free services as they are often unreliable and unsafe.
Where VoIP services are blocked?
Plenty of repressive jurisdictions block these services for one cause or another. Some do it for political reasons, others to drive their citizens to use local telecom operators only. Either way, you’ll need a good VoIP VPN if you live or are planning to travel to these countries:
Access restricted completely | Partial access restrictions | Restricted due to political reasons |
Belize, Brazil, Caribbean Region, China, Guyana, Jordan, Libya, Qatar, Morocco, Paraguay, Oman, Pakistan, UAE, Syria | Cuba, North Korea, Kuwait, Israel, Mexico | Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran |
Hopefully, this above list will help you improve your online communications with a VPN for VoIP. Of course, it’s possible that this list isn’t complete as other countries may join this trend or allow using Voice over Internet Protocol applications again.
How to use a VPN for calling
No matter which VoIP service you wish to use, a robust VPN will help you gain access to it. Here’s how to use this tool with different communication applications.
WhatsApp calling
- Sign up for a secure VPN service. NordVPN is unbeatable when it comes to breaking through censorship.
- Download the client appropriate for your device’s OS and install it
- Log into your account and connect to a region where you’re free to use VoIP
- Navigate to the official WhatsApp website and get the app
- Create a WhatsApp account, add people you know, and begin talking!
Skype calling
- Pick a trustworthy VPN. We suggest NordVPN, which is based in Panama and adheres to an independently-audited no-logs policy.
- Get the VPN from the provider’s website or through Google Play or Apple App Stores
- Sign into your VPN account and select a VoIP-service-friendly location
- Go to Skype’s official website and download the application
- Sign up for Skype, connect with others, and chat without restrictions!
Viber calling
- Subscribe to a robust VPN. NordVPN offers great features, an expansive server network, and the best speeds in the industry.
- Select and install the VPN application suited for your device
- Log into your VPN account and pick a server located in a country with unrestricted VoIP access
- Enter the official website of Viber and get the program
- Create a Viber account, contact your friends, and call them freely anytime you want!
How to make free calls on VoIP with a VPN
The best thing about VoIP services is that they are completely free since the calls are made via the internet. You can voice or video chat with anyone anywhere, and it won’t cost a dime. It’s a bit different if you need to contact someone on their physical landline or mobile number, though.
Calls to these kinds of numbers will be charged accordingly, and using a VPN won’t make them free. But you can make the calling rates significantly cheaper with this technology. All you need to do is connect to a country that offers better prices, like the US or India.
Do we recommend using a free VPN for VoIP
You’ll be better off not utilizing a free VPN for VoIP apps. More often than not, completely “costless” services tend to put people in danger rather than protect them. The threats include but are not limited to:
- Rampant user monitoring and then selling that data to the highest bidder
- Littering the clients with intrusive ads that are likely to contain viruses
- Injecting their applications with malware, keyloggers, trojans, and other types of dangerous software
- Having little to no security and privacy-ensuring features, let alone proper encryption
We strongly advise picking freemium VPN providers instead, like Atlas VPN or Proton VPN. These have two tiers – free and premium. With this model, customers paying for the service cover the operation costs so that the VPN doesn’t have to resort to underhanded ways to stay afloat.
Another option is exploiting a little loophole of VPNs with free trial versions. Albeit for a limited duration, you get to use everything these tools have to offer to fulfill your needs and then some. No one’s stopping you from signing up for a different service each time the trial ends.
Online gaming voice chat – what to do when blocked
Online communication is not only about Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp video chats. Millions of online gamers need voice chat to coordinate team-based games. Counter-Strike and Call of Duty are just two of the many online titles that may be unavailable in certain countries, or the voice chat option could be blocked.
For restrictive regions, it’s a good idea (or the only solution) to use a VPN for VoIP if quality online gaming is your thing. Once you have one of the best VPNs for gaming installed, just change your location to a country where you can freely play and use voice chat. It’s that simple.
Conclusion
VoIP applications make communicating with people much more accessible and free to boot. And because of this, restrictive governments around the world see these programs as a threat. Hence all the banning and blocking efforts.
Luckily, there’s no VoIP that a robust VPN can’t unblock. Providers like NordVPN make it possible with powerful features and strong encryption methods. And because of these perks, they also enhance the security of your chats and calls.
What VPN do you use to access VoIP services? Let us know in the comments below!
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Mobile
Best VPN for Skype
Best VPN for Zoom
Best VPN for Discord
Best VPN for School
FAQ
Can I use VPN for VoIP?
Yes, you can use a VPN for VoIP, and it’s recommended to do so to improve your privacy & security. This technology is also useful for unblocking VoIP in censorship-heavy countries where these services are blocked.
Which VPN is good for WhatsApp calling?
The best VPN for WhatsApp calling is NordVPN. It comes with robust security features, easily breaks through geo-blocks, and facilitates the best speeds in the industry for an excellent call experience.
How do I unblock a VoIP call?
You can unblock a VoIP call with a VPN. All you have to do is subscribe to a reliable VPN, connect to a country where VoIP services aren’t restricted, and that’s it. You’ll be free to communicate however you want.
Can you use VPN for international calls?
Yes, you can use a VPN for international calls. In fact, if they are banned in your region, this technology will unblock them and let you contact people from other countries. We recommend utilizing the best VoIP VPN to ensure complete anonymity while doing so.
Totally new to this! I will try suing the free version first!
Fantastic article! I’ll bookmark this as this would be handy when travelling. Thank you for highlighting the needs for a vpn for Voip
I don’t use Skype a lot, except to talk to my girlfriend. Now I’m nervous that people might be listening in on our conversations, I didn’t even know that’s something you could do! I’m gonna have to get one of these things, I guess, and it’s not like we talk about anything top secret or anything but now I’m creeped out…
The more I read about VPNs, the more I’m feeling that it’s absolutely necessary to have one. I’m quite new to VPNs but I think I’ll definitely get one ! Thanks for the great content.