8 Best VPN for WhatsApp in 2023: Full Access Guide

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging services globally. As of 2022, WhatsApp had a user base of 2 billion people. It is a cheap alternative to carrier-based text messaging and even facilitates features beyond text messaging such as video calling.

Despite its popularity around the world, there are some countries where WhatsApp’s use is prohibited (China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar, and the UAE). Luckily for WhatsApp users visiting these countries or those who live there and want to use it, there are options for accessing the famous messaging app.

If using a VPN, it is possible to acquire a different IP address. This means that you can acquire an IP address from a country where WhatsApp isn’t banned. By doing this, you can gain access to the messaging app even while in a country where WhatsApp is banned.

In addition to giving access to WhatsApp, VPNs also provide increased security and privacy, protecting users’ personal information from prying eyes such as internet service providers (ISPs) and governments. VPNs also let users bypass geographical restrictions on content such as that found on some streaming platforms.

I have reviewed the best VPNs for accessing WhatsApp in detail in this article. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for WhatsApp. It has over 5,000 servers in around 60 countries, giving users lots of choices for bypassing WhatsApp restrictions. In addition, the server network is fast, stable, and secure. NordVPN comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee as well.
2. Surfshark: This is the best budget option for WhatsApp. Even though Surfshark is an affordable option, it doesn’t skimp on quality. It is fast and secure, with a network of over 3,200 servers and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN: One of the fastest VPNs out there and it is also very secure. It gives users lots of options for unblocking services such as WhatsApp.
4. CyberGhost: Has a very large server network which gives users lots of choice. In addition, it is a secure platform.
5. PrivateVPN: This is a smaller, privacy-focused option that is based in Sweden. It is adept at bypassing WhatsApp blocks.
6. IPVanish: Can access many services including WhatsApp. In addition, it is also a great option for Kodi streamers and torrenters.
7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A lightweight and secure option that’s a good choice for beginners who are new to using VPNs.
8. Atlas VPN: Fast and can unblock many different services such as WhatsApp and streaming services that include Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

I created a detailed review of the best VPNs for WhatsApp based on strict criteria which I cover in-depth in my testing methodology section later in this article. Here is a list of some of the factors I considered when compiling and reviewing the best VPNs for WhatsApp:

• Strong encryption and security features
• No logs stored
• Ability to unblock services such as WhatsApp
• Available on mobile devices such as Android phones and iPhones
• Fast connection speeds

Best VPNs for WhatsApp

Here is my list of the best VPNs for WhatsApp:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is an excellent all-round VPN option; with over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries and fast connection speeds, NordVPN’s performance is hard to beat. In addition to having a solid server network, it can also unblock several different services easily, including WhatsApp and top-tier streaming services as well.

In addition to being a great option for accessing WhatsApp, NordVPN has several security features in place that can help to keep users secure while using the service. These security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, an app-specific kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. This service also stores no logs.

NordVPN has apps available for macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android. Routers can also be manually configured to work with this provider. Six simultaneous device connections are supported and users can reach the customer support team 24/7 via live chat.

Pros:

• Can access WhatsApp without hassle
• Strong security measures in place
• Accepts cryptocurrency payments
• No logs are stored
• Customer support team is available 24/7

Cons:

• The desktop app can be slow at times

NUMBER ONE OPTION FOR WHATSAPP:NordVPN is my number one pick for accessing WhatsApp. It is also a great option for unblocking streaming services. It protects users online with its strong security features and its customer support team is always available. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN. It is affordable and still has servers in about 100 countries (over 3,200 servers in total). These servers are all fast and secure and it’s a good option for users who need to bypass services that are blocked. This includes WhatsApp and even streaming services such as ITV.

In addition to its robust server network and unblocking capabilities, Surfshark has strong security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. Traffic scrambling is also provided. Another positive aspect of Surfshark is this provider’s acceptance of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency provides users with a form of payment that is more anonymous than traditional credit card payments.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS as well. Some routers can be manually set up with it too. In addition, Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices under a single subscription plan. This is a great option for users with many different devices or a big family. Surfshark’s customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Able to unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds which are great for streaming
• Strong security measures are in place
• An unlimited number of connections are supported
• Accepts cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

• Some servers can be slow sometimes

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR WHATSAPP:Although this is an affordable VPN, the quality doesn’t suffer. Users still get thousands of servers in around 100 countries and can easily unblock WhatsApp if needed. The security is strong too and this service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best options for streaming out there. It has fast servers and it can easily access streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. This unblocking capability also applies to other services such as WhatsApp. In total, ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries. It is also easy to use, making it a good option for beginners.

ExpressVPN also has strong security measures in place. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. There is also a .onion site in place which must be accessed from the anonymous TOR network. This site allows users to explore purchasing the service anonymously. In addition, payments can be made with cryptocurrency, which means that users’ names aren’t associated with payments like they are with traditional credit card payments. In addition, this service stores no logs and five simultaneous connections are allowed.

This provider has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. It can also be installed on supported routers. ExpressVPN’s customer support team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds are available
• Can access many services including WhatsApp
• .onion site and cryptocurrency give users more anonymity
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• This service is more expensive than some of the other options out there
• Lack of customizability could be a limitation for some people

FAST OPTION FOR WHATSAPP AND STREAMING:In addition to being able to unblock WhatsApp, ExpressVPN is also a solid option for streaming. This provider has strong security measures in place and stores no logs. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest number of servers out of all of the other VPN options on this list. It has over 9,700 servers in around 91 countries and can easily access WhatsApp and top-tier streaming services.

In addition, CyberGhost has strong security measures in place such as protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There is also 256-bit AES encryption, it stores no logs, has a kill switch, and cryptocurrency payments are accepted.

Users can download CyberGhost on mobile devices (iOS and Android), Windows, and macOS. Some routers can even be manually set up with this service too. Customer support is available 24/7 as well and seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Mobile apps are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat customer support offered
• Large server network
• Strong security measures are in place

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in the UAE or China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network that consists of over 9,700 servers. This makes it a great option for users who need to access geographically restricted services or WhatsApp. This service comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a solid option when it comes to security and unblocking services like WhatsApp. It is a smaller provider but it is effective and has fast connection speeds despite having just over 200 servers. Even though its server count is small, this network is spread across 63+ countries. In addition to being able to bypass WhatsApp, this service is also able to unblock top-tier streaming services.

In addition, PrivateVPN has many security measures in place, designed to keep users’ private information safe. These features include 256-bit AES encryption and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. One thing to note is that the customer service agents for PrivateVPN are only available during regular business hours (Swedish time). This may be a detractor for those outside of this region. However, the quality of customer service offered is high.

Users are allowed 10 simultaneous device connections on their accounts.

Pros:

• Unblocks WhatsApp without any hassle
• Fast connection speeds
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN OPTION:PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPN option that has features in place such as strong encryption. It can unblock services such as WhatsApp easily and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish has a secure platform with just under 2,000 servers in 50+ countries. It can access WhatsApp successfully and it has also proven to be a big hit in the Kodi streaming community due to the robustness and speed of IPVanish’s network.

In addition, IPVanish has strong security measures in place. These measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and traffic scrambling. This provider also stores no logs.

IPVanish is available on mobile apps too. It is also available on macOS and Windows. IPVanish can be installed manually on some routers and Linux devices. IPVanish supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• An unlimited number of connections is allowed
• No logs are stored
• Unblocks Whatsapp with ease

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a solid option for bypassing WhatsApp blocks and it is also a great option for Kodi streaming. This app comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option with servers in over 80 countries. It is customizable too and can unblock services such as YouTube and BBC iPlayer with ease.

The provider has strong security options in place too. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. PIA doesn’t store logs either.

PIA apps are available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This provider’s customer service team can also be reached 24/7 via their live chat. It allows for 10 simultaneous connections.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Can provide secure access to many services
• Unblocks WhatsApp with ease
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design is lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE OPTION:PIA is a lightweight option that is able to provide users with secure access to many streaming services. It supports 10 simultaneous connections, has several customization options, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in around 40 locations. Its network of servers is fast enough to allow for the streaming of top-tier streaming services such as Netflix. It can also successfully access WhatsApp. While it doesn’t have the largest server network, it is a high-quality offering and a great choice for those looking to unblock services in general.

The provider has a variety of security features in place for the benefit of users as well. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This service also stores no logs and has MultiHop servers in place. This provider supports cryptocurrency payments.

Atlas VPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It supports an unlimited number of connections.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different streaming services
• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock WhatsApp with ease

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China
• Customer service could be better

FAST STREAMING SPEEDS AND STRONG ENCRYPTION:Atlas VPN has strong security measures in place, such as double encryption with its MultiHop servers and it can easily unblock services like WhatsApp. It is a capable provider and even offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: how I found the best VPNs for WhatsApp

I considered a number of factors when making my choice of the best VPNs for WhatsApp using my testing methodology. While there are several possibilities when it comes to unblocking WhatsApp, not all of the VPNs out there are created equal and could be suboptimal in some areas. Here are some of the things I looked at when compiling my list of the best VPNs for WhatsApp.

• Servers: The greater the number of servers the better. This gives users in countries where WhatsApp is banned several options for a server that will allow them to access the service.
• Ability to unblock services: Not all VPNs can successfully unblock services such as WhatsApp. Luckily, the VPNs reviewed here are all capable of unblocking WhatsApp easily, along with top-tier streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video.
• Security: VPNs protect users in the online environment with features such as 256-bit AES encryption. All of the VPNs reviewed here offer this strong encryption along with other security features that keep users safe online.
• Speed: Fast connection speeds are necessary to make sure that users can still use the internet to carry out activities such as streaming without lag. This ensures there is no frustration with buffering/lag even after connecting to a VPN server to do something like bypass a WhatsApp block.

Best VPNs for WhatsApp FAQs