Answer: We tested dozens of VPNs, and we found the best VPN for WhatsApp: NordVPN!
With a user base of about 2 billion people worldwide, WhatsApp has allowed us to come a long way from the days of using Skype to contact people in just a few years.
This is especially true for people who have friends and family living abroad.
However, even though WhatsApp provides us with a great way to maintain contact with our loved ones across borders, not all governments are happy with this particular application.
This is largely due to a WhatsApp security feature called end-to-end encryption, which means that only the senders and receivers of a conversation have that data.
That’s why, in certain countries across the world (like Cuba, China, Iran, Qatar, etc.), WhatsApp has been banned by authoritarian governments.
Also, some countries like the UAE have seen lobbying by telecom companies that resulted in restrictions on the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that forms the base of WhatsApp calls.
In such cases, the best way to keep in touch with your loved ones without having to compromise on safety, utility, and comfort is to use a VPN with WhatsApp.
This allows you to have unlimited access to your contacts while spoofing your location.
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at the 3 VPNs for WhatsApp. So let’s dive in!
Best VPN for WhatsApp in 2024
For the purpose of this post, we tested many acclaimed VPNs to see which ones would come out as the best VPNs for WhatsApp.
We compared many features of each VPN, such as security, connectivity, the number of worldwide servers and their locations, and pricing.
As a result, we found that the best VPNs to be used with WhatsApp were:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is based in Panama and has one of the biggest networks of servers in the VPN business.
This VPN has a network of more than 5700 servers in nearly 60 countries around the world.
If you’re looking to use a VPN to use with WhatsApp, then no matter where you are located in the world, NordVPN will be your best option to spoof your IP address.
In an industry where many high-quality VPN services compete for the top spot, NordVPN’s popularity comes primarily from its fast connection speed and strict security protocols.
It uses OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, and NordLynx, which are all extremely good at keeping your data fully private and secure.
In addition to these procedures, NordVPN comes with many other security features too, such as AES-256 encryption, a no-log policy, and protection against data leaks.
The “Double VPN” feature of NordVPN is, however, the security feature that stands out the most and is another reason why we recommend this VPN as one of the best VPNs for WhatsApp.
As you might guess from the name, this function lets you tunnel your information through two different computers for even more security.
Now that the security features are out of the way let’s talk about how compatible NordVPN is with our current technology.
This point is important because a VPN’s speed and privacy protocols don’t mean anything if your device can’t run the VPN software.
Almost all popular running systems are compatible with NordVPN.
If you’re using WhatsApp on your cell phones, both Android and iOS have fully compatible apps for NordVPN.
And if you’ve linked your WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop on any machine running on Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, or Linux, you can download apps tailored for each OS.
Another way of using NordVPN is with a router, which makes it possible for a lot of people to use it simultaneously.
So, if you’re running a business and you have a small team onsite monitoring messages on your Business WhatsApp, this can be pretty helpful for you.
But if you don’t use it with a router, then NordVPN only lets you connect one account to six devices at the same time.
Granted, this number is not a lot when compared to some other VPNs, but it’s a good deal when you see how much more secure your personal data can be with NordVPN.
Cost-wise, a subscription to NordVPN will cost you about $3.69 a month for the first two years.
And if you stop your subscription within 30 days and aren’t happy with the services, you can get your money back with their 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark claims the #2 spot in our review for the best WhatsApp VPN.
This particular VPN is also probably the only case in the industry where a low price isn’t synonymous with data phishing.
Surfshark has a network of more than 3200 servers in 100 countries all over the world.
If you want to use a VPN to access WhatsApp in a country where WhatsApp is banned or limited in its VoIP feature, Surfshark should be a no-brainer for you due to its large server network.
The safety measures Surfshark employs to keep your IP and data secure are also nothing to sneeze at.
With this VPN, you get the security of your data guaranteed by protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
All of these security protocols are considered top-of-the-line and are very good at keeping unwanted hands away from your personal data.
Some other security features that stand out in Surfshark’s arsenal include security against data leaks, IP rotations, and AES-256 encryption–a military-grade encryption program.
You can also hide your IP address by switching it using Surfshark’s “Multi-hop” feature.
Also, if you’re using WhatsApp on Android, we found that you can use a feature called “GPS spoofing” to better hide your IP address.
Even though it only works on Android devices as of yet, it is still quite a useful tool to have.
When you use Surfshark, you can log in as many devices as you want using your account at the same time, which is another big reason behind its large number of recommendations.
This is something that only Surfshark VPN provides among the top-tier VPNs.
If you use a lot of different devices at the same time, even if WhatsApp is only being used on a few of those, this can be very helpful.
With this feature, you can also give your account credentials to Surfshark to friends and family so they can use it without needing to pay more to the company.
We said at the beginning of this section that Surfshark is the cheapest top-level VPN.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be fair for us to refrain from talking about the subscription plans that this service offers.
If you choose the longest plan, which lasts 24 months, you can buy a subscription for $2.30 per month.
Also, if a plan that lasts for two years is too much of a commitment for you, you can choose the yearly plan that costs $3.99 per month.
Also, Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat service is a great way for customers to get help.
But in case this VPN doesn’t satisfy your needs, you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee which makes this VPN a great option.
3. Atlas VPN
Coming in at the #3 spot in our list is Atlas VPN, which is a newer name in the VPN space compared to other, more established companies.
Even though Atlas VPN has been around for a comparatively short time, it has quickly become one of the best VPNs for WhatsApp and carved its share in the VPN industry.
Atlas VPN makes use of the WireGuard and IPsec/IKEv2 protocols to protect your data and location.
When it comes to security, you get AES-256 military-grade encryption and RAM-only servers that remove logs with each session.
There is also an automatic kill switch and great security measures to keep data from getting out, which is great.
Another benefit of these security measures can be seen in the form of Atlas VPN’s highly advanced Ad-blocking algorithm that is great at letting you browse without ads.
This VPN deletes any cookies or other information that could be used by marketing companies to learn about your search patterns.
Hence, they can’t tailor their ads to make them more persuasive for you.
Where things start getting different between Atlas VPN and other similar VPNs is that this VPN lets its users choose between paying for it or using it for free.
The fact that both types of users are provided data safety using the same protection protocols makes this a novelty in the industry.
But before you start thinking that this VPN’s paid membership isn’t worth spending the money if you get the same security in the free version, there are a couple of caveats you should keep in mind.
First of all, you can only have unfettered access to all 1000 of Atlas VPN’s servers located across 49 nations if you pay for a membership.
With the free plan, you can only connect to three of this network’s servers.
Even then, you can only connect to Atlas VPN’s servers located in New York, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles.
Also, with the free version of Atlas VPN, you can only use 5 GB of data per month.
Some users might think this is enough, but if you use a VPN for your WhatsApp often to contact your family or friends, this small amount of data won’t last you very long.
Atlas VPN is none too shabby when it comes to its price.
At the moment, a subscription for three years costs $1.99 per month, which is the longest subscription in Atlas VPN’s charts.
For a subscription for one year, you will pay $3.29 per month, but a subscription for only a single month costs $10.99.
If you want to buy this VPN, the best plan is the one that gives you a membership for 3 years.
Atlas VPN is the best WhatsApp VPN for you if you want to try out a VPN’s services without having to pay for a membership first.
You can use the free version to try out its services, and if you like them, you can sign up.
Also, you have 30 days to ask for your money back, so there’s nothing to lose.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN for WhatsApp
WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool, and safeguarding its privacy and security is of utmost importance.
When selecting a VPN, it’s crucial to consider the following factors to ensure a unique and tailored experience:
WhatsApp Optimization
Look for VPNs that offer specific optimizations for WhatsApp.
These optimizations can enhance the performance and reliability of your WhatsApp connection, ensuring smooth messaging, voice, and video calls.
VPNs with dedicated WhatsApp optimizations prioritize the traffic associated with the application, minimizing any potential disruptions or latency issues.
Server Infrastructure
Consider VPN providers with a robust and extensive server infrastructure.
A vast network of servers distributed strategically across different regions provides better options for connecting to WhatsApp servers, resulting in improved speed and reliability.
VPNs with specialized servers for WhatsApp can further optimize your experience.
Bypassing Government Restrictions
In regions where WhatsApp usage may be restricted or monitored by government authorities, choose a VPN that offers advanced obfuscation technology.
This technology disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it difficult for network administrators or governments to detect and block your WhatsApp usage.
Split Tunneling for WhatsApp
Select a VPN that supports split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps or services route through the VPN connection.
This feature is particularly useful for WhatsApp, as it allows you to prioritize your WhatsApp traffic through the VPN while letting other applications access the internet directly.
Split tunneling provides flexibility and can optimize network performance.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Support
If you frequently use WhatsApp for file sharing or multimedia content, consider a VPN that supports P2P connections.
This feature ensures that your file transfers remain secure and anonymous while maintaining high-speed data transfers.
Look for VPN providers with servers optimized for P2P activities.
By considering these unique factors, you can select a VPN that is specifically optimized for WhatsApp, ensuring a secure and reliable messaging experience.
Remember to assess the VPN’s compatibility with your devices, its reputation within the cybersecurity community, and the level of privacy and security it offers.
Take your time to research and choose a VPN that aligns with your specific needs, allowing you to use WhatsApp with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs
Can a VPN Prevent WhatsApp from Being Blocked by my ISP?
Yes, a VPN can help bypass any restrictions imposed by your ISP, allowing you to access and use WhatsApp without interference.
By encrypting your traffic and routing it through a VPN server, your ISP won’t be able to detect or block your WhatsApp usage.
Will Using a VPN with WhatsApp Improve My Voice and Video Call Quality?
While a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, it may introduce a slight increase in latency due to the additional encryption and routing processes.
In some cases, this can affect the voice and video call quality on WhatsApp.
It’s recommended to choose a VPN with optimized servers for streaming and VoIP applications to minimize any potential impact on call quality.
Will Using a VPN for WhatsApp Protect My Messages from Being Intercepted on Public Wi-Fi Networks?
Absolutely!
When you connect to WhatsApp through a VPN on a public Wi-Fi network, your data is encrypted, making it extremely difficult for hackers or snoopers to intercept your messages.
This adds an extra layer of security and ensures your conversations remain private.
Conclusion
To summarize this post, using a VPN for WhatsApp can be very helpful in a lot of countries in the world where this app has been banned or restricted.
And even if you don’t live in such a place, having an additional layer of anonymity can never be a bad thing for you.
As far as the best VPNs for WhatsApp go, we have found NordVPN to be the best one available in the market today due to its amazing security and connectivity features.
Surfshark and Atlas VPN respectively occupy the #2 and #3 spots in our list after NordVPN.
You can easily pick any of these VPNs to use for your WhatsApp calls and messages without compromising your data safety and your IP.
