WhatsApp is a cross-platform, almost free messaging app that allows you to call or send a text message by using the internet. Boasting of over 1 billion downloads from the Google Play store, and over 800 million active users, it is not hard to see why WhatsApp is considered to be the most popular messaging platform in the world. Unfortunately, the popularity of this ad-free, encrypted chat app has caused bans in some countries. However, by using a VPN, you can bypass the blocks and use WhatsApp from anywhere.
| Rank | VPN Service | Our Score | Server Locations | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.8 | 160 |  |
| 2 |  | 9.4 | 87 | |
| 3 |  | 9.2 | 95 | |
| 4 |  | 9.0 | 110 | |
| 5 |  | 8.8 | 73 | |
As we mentioned, this app is banned in some countries. Most would not expect that sort of behavior from western countries, but surprisingly enough, one of the countries debating a ban is the UK. That is because of the UK’s Snoopers Charter. The Snoopers Charter states that companies need to make their apps less secure, or hand over the decryption keys. Despite the impending ban, be aware that WhatsApp does not require a warrant before handing over content sent and received by customers. In other words, they meet the criteria for being less secure.
Another factor to be aware of with WhatsApp is the voice feature. The website touts it as a way to save money calling other countries. However, if you want to use WhatsApp for that purpose, the app uses 1.2 MB per minute of data. That is fine if you are on unlimited Wi-Fi, but if you do not have a strong data plan, this app will gobble that up fairly quickly.
To share an interesting piece of news about WhatsApp. If you travel to Dubai, and you swear in your text message, you will face a fine of £45k (almost $70k USD) and probable deportation because of their new laws. For an app that was designed to be encrypted with 256-bit encryption, it certainly does not sound that way. Please keep in mind, we are not saying $1 a year for the app is a bad deal, but if you are going to use WhatsApp, you should not do so without the extra encryption of a VPN.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the best VPNs to use with WhatsApp.
1. Best VPN for WhatsApp: ExpressVPN
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Thanks to ExpressVPN you do not have to be in the US to enjoy streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now. Whether you are from the United States and traveling abroad, an ex-patriot, or have always wanted to watch a US TV show like South Park, you can do so by connecting with the MediaStreamer feature. It will allow you to view the US shows you want to see from anywhere in the world. The same is true for channels in other regions.
Since ExpressVPN offers browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, they have also included several privacy features to help protect you. That includes re-routing you to a more secure version of the website you entered, location spoofing so that your browser will match the IP address of the area you select, and WebRTC blocking. If you connect to a VPN without this feature, websites can still see where you are. Of course, you could always get another extension to resolve the issue, but having it inclusive is better.
You have likely heard of ExpressVPN as their reputation precedes the quality of the service. From a worldwide network of servers to extra features like MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN tops the competition. We use the service in our office and while traveling. From privacy protection to gaming, and streaming, their network provides excellent performance. Give the service a thorough test during the 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up for 12 months and get 3 months free, a 49% discount with our ExpressVPN deal.
2. Best VPN for WhatsApp: NordVPN
When you take a look at encryption protocols, NordVPN has you covered. Instead of dealing with some of the less secure ones like PPTP, the company offers you three different alternatives to use. Whether you like the highly adaptable IKEv2, known as an NGE (Next Generation Encryption) protocol, OpenVPN (which many experts consider to be the gold standard), or the newcomer to the group, NordLynx (a proprietary protocol that uses WireGuard technology), you can find them all with NordVPN. While some may worry about using WireGuard because of the flaws, the company made its protocol to address those issues.
If you are looking for a VPN service that will help you unblock some of the top streaming services in the world, NordVPN has you covered. As you probably know, some services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have different libraries, depending on the country you are accessing. Additionally, certain services are specific and only available in some countries. Whether you are traveling abroad or just want to check out the libraries from other regions, you can do that by connecting to a NordVPN server.
3. Best VPN for WhatsApp: PIA
If you are one of the many people that like to stream sports on your favorite mobile device, connecting to a VPN server from Private Internet Access may be useful to you. More and more providers are allowing their users to watch some sports for free. Great examples of that include baseball and American football in the US. However, if you are traveling abroad or are otherwise outside of your home area, you would miss out on those games. By connecting to a VPN server you should be able to regain the access you wish.
If you are going to visit a country or you live in a region that censors content, Private Internet Access is an excellent option to use. With the various safeguards and features that the company has, you will be able to defeat this type of censorship. Whether you are trying to access social networks, political discourse websites, or any other kind of banned content, you can be sure that Private Internet Access will help you access all the content you want to see.
4. Best VPN for WhatsApp: CyberGhost
If you connect to a VPN server with CyberGhost and you are a gamer, there is something you may not be aware of. On some international platforms, games can have different prices than in your home region. An example of that is using a platform like Steam. You can sometimes find your favorite games for a lower price in other countries than you would in your home country. If you use Steam cards as well, you will be able to play your favorites for a lesser amount than usual.
As you may already realize, one of the advantages of connecting to a VPN from CyberGhost is its ability to access other content. Let’s say, for example, that you wanted to access the alternative libraries of a streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or others. When you connect to a VPN server in the area you wish to view, the blocking software will think you connected from there. That way, you will be able to access the content you want to see.
5. Best VPN for WhatsApp: IPVanish
If you stream a lot of content, you may encounter what is known as library fatigue. That is when you have seen virtually all that you want to on a particular service. Since international services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have different libraries based on location, you will want to connect to a VPN server from IPVanish. That way, if you are bored with the current content available, you only have to change the VPN server region to be able to access others. Then, watch all you want.
If you enjoy getting your games from streaming platforms like Steam, Origin, or others, there is an advantage in using IPVanish that you may not have realized. That is because games can be different prices, depending on where you are. By connecting to a VPN in a country where the price is lower and using one of the platform’s gift cards, you can get the game you want to play for a smaller amount than you would have paid usually. Then the only thing left to do is enjoy it.
