WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger in the world with a client base exceeding 1 billion users. The recipe of its success is a convenient interface, lack of ads, and user privacy. Unfortunately, it is a challenging task to use WhatsApp in some countries. The app may be blocked for political or economic reasons. Luckily, you can restore access to the messenger with the help of a VPN no matter where you live or travel. Our experts introduce the best VPN for WhatsApp to stay in touch with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Table of Contents
Where and Why WhatsApp is Blocked
All messages on WhatsApp are protected with an end-to-end encryption. Messages and files are coded when a sender forwards them and they stay secured until a receiver gets them on his or her device. This means that while messages are in transit, they are protected by a reliable cipher. Even if somebody will intercept them, they can’t be read or deciphered.
While encryption is a great benefit for users, some governments consider private communications to be a threat to their regimes. Indeed, free speech advocates, political activists, opposition politicians, and journalists use WhatsApp to freely express their thoughts. At the same time, criminals and terrorists also make use of coded messages. Due to this circumstance, many authoritarian regimes block the messenger under the guise of fighting extremism and terrorism. Today, WhatsApp is banned in 6 countries among which are China, UAE, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea. You can read more about it here.
Additionally, some countries restrict access to certain features while WhatsApp, on the whole, is not banned.
In some states, the app is prohibited under pressure from telecommunication companies. WhatsApp is a free alternative to calls and SMS. It is no wonder that so many people prefer to use the messenger instead of traditional means of communication. Telecoms started losing money so their lobbyists push through the idea of blocking the messenger.
If you happen to live in one of the countries where WhatsApp is blacklisted or you visit as a tourist, there is only one solution to make the app work. Its name is a VPN. This software will change your virtual location and assign you an IP address in any country of your choice where the messenger is not forbidden.
Summary of the Best VPNs for WhatsApp
Without further ado, our expert presents top-3 VPNs to unblock WhatsApp. These providers offer a great combination of speed, encryption, and access to thousands of servers to bypass even the most severe restrictions:
- NordVPN – This is a prominent player on the VPN market and our number one choice for a WhatsApp VPN. From no-logs policy, advanced security features, and affordable pricing, it has everything to ensure the best VPN experience.
- ExpressVPN – is highly renowned thanks to blazing server speeds and consistent performance. It supplies sufficient features to please users of any level, even tech-savvy individuals.
- PureVPN – It is a well-balanced VPN with easy to use software, smooth performance, and world-class encryption features. CyberGhost carries out a zero-logging policy and is registered in a country with friendly privacy laws.
The Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp
Now you have an idea of some of the best VPN providers you can use with WhatsApp. It’s time to take a closer look at these services:
NordVPN
If NordVPN had a middle name, it would be Security. Indeed, the service really knows its stuff when it comes to user protection. It is registered in Panama, away from the 14 Eyes or any other spy agencies. Lenient privacy legislation allows the provider to implement an airtight log-less policy.
NordVPN offers a wide selection of security functions including the industry standard OpenVPN and military-grade encryption. You can also use ultra-secure Double VPN or Onion Over VPN options if the basic protection is not enough. Automatic Kill Switch will safeguard your data if a VPN tunnel fails. Dns leak protection and a CyberSec anti-malware feature are also in place.
Various tariff-plans and sizable discounts for longer subscription times make the provider affordable for any users. A solid 30-day money back guarantee enables you to try it out and decide if you like it enough to continue without any risk of losing your money. Summing up, NordVPN is a great VPN for WhatsApp as well as any other messenger.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the industry’s speed leader. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Such a massive network and optimized servers guarantee that you surf the web at a lightning-fast speed. You can connect to the fastest server by using Smart Location feature. To make the connection even more secure, ExpressVPN maintains its own DNS on all servers.
ExpressVPN doesn’t forget about user safety. It provides military-grade encryption backed up with the most secure OpenVPN protocol. Kill Switch feature won’t let to reveal your identity or expose unprotected traffic.
The service a bit more expensive than other VPNs for WhatsApp that we recommend but you can have a great bargain with its 1-year subscription plan. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. It means that you can basically have a free trial period for a month without any risk.
PureVPN
The company is registered in the British Virgin Islands famous for friendly privacy legislation. Moreover, the country is not a member or any intelligence unions so it doesn’t share information with foreign governments. PureVPN won’t yield any clients data because it doesn’t log user activities whatsoever. Among other security features are strong AES-256 encryption and cutting-edge connection protocol OpenVPN. The service has a built-in Kill Switch and its users are reliably protected against IP and DNS leaks.
PureVPN boasts one of the fastest growing server networks in the industry. In 2018 alone its server count grew by 150% and now it has 6,500+ units. Along with a simple and intuitive software interface, it makes the provider one of the best options for WhatsApp.
PureVPN is a very accessible VPN with a budget-friendly pricing. Its 2-year subscription plan with an impressive 82% discount and a generous refund policy make it possible to test it risk-free.
WhatsApp VPN: Conclusion
WhatsApp is arguably the best messenger around but, unfortunately, many countries don’t share our enthusiasm for private communications. If you live in a country where the messenger is blacklisted, you don’t have to give up. Just install a VPN on your device and enjoy unrestricted access to the app. You should remember that not every provider is good enough to unblock WhatsApp. You can trust only reputable services such as the ones you can see on our list. Featuring a strong encryption, large server rosters, and great connection speeds, these VPNs are ideal to keep your privacy intact.