With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has become an essential communication tool for many. However, VoIP calls can be intercepted and monitored since they are transmitted over the internet. A VPN (virtual private network) is one of the best ways to secure and encrypt VoIP calls.
But with so many VPN providers, how do you choose the right one to protect your VoIP calls? This article compares the top 3 VPNs for VoIP – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. We evaluated them based on crucial criteria like speed, reliability, security features, and cost-effectiveness.
Our research found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for VoIP in 2024 due to its consistently fast speeds, wide server network, and robust encryption protocols. NordVPN and Surfshark also offer excellent protection for VoIP with budget-friendly plans. Read on for an in-depth comparison of these leading VoIP VPNs to help you pick the ideal one for your needs.
What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
VOIP is a protocol that carries voice data to networks. A line does not connect it, hence reducing the costs of communications. It converts audio signals to digital signals and sends data through internet traffic over your line.
This technique enables you to call anyone online using mediums like Skype, Whatsapp IMO and many more services. VoIP has many advantages. Some are:
- It's entirely virtual. You do not need to stay near the phone lines to pick up the call.
- You may speak to anyone from another country and grow your business.
- You can use VoIP on different devices like desktop computers or even smartphones.
How VPN works for VoIP
A VPN comes in between your device and the Internet Service Provider. Firstly, it breaks your data into small packets and then passes it through the tunnel to the ISP so that an ISP cannot recognize the data or your online activity, which you are doing digitally.
Similarly, in the middle, it masks your IP address with a VPN-generated IP to mislead the ISP that the data is coming from another server. In this way, if you use VoIP from Turkey, you can connect to a US server and start audio conferencing.
Suitable VPN for VoIP services
There are dozens of VPN services available in the market. Some are free, while others are paid. We will discuss why you shouldn't choose a free VPN service below. Right now, we only check which kind of VPN we can get to use it best.
Even with paid VPNs, the wide choice of VPNs may take you into a dilemma about what to do and which VPN to choose. To keep things simple, we have devised criteria helpful for you to decide which VPN should be your good choice. Some of the essential points are discussed below:
No logging Policy
Every VPN does not have a firm logging policy. Let's take the example of free VPN services. Free VPN service providers earn by selling your data to third-party agents like advertisers.
This means they do track your data. When they track or, in other means, “save the data,” you may face severe issues. The vulnerabilities of cyber hackers who always wait to eat up your information and use it for other evil purposes augment with the highest percentage.
Fast Services
During a tunneling process, your speed is affected. This you cannot save through a free VPN. You cannot play games, nor can you watch any video.
Against all these odds, all our recommended and paid VPNs use several protocols to keep up with the ultra-fast speed. You can also run a speed test to check whether things work well.
A wide array of servers
Any Virtual Private Network servers matter the most. The more server it has, the best encrpytion, speed and unblocking capabilities could be. First, you can connect to any region where the server is located. Secondly, the wide server infrastructure may help you for the best speed, let alone encryption.
Supportive Protocols
Not all VPNs use additional protocols. Even your Android devices also have VPNs, but you can't use them the way you can use a third-party VPN becasue of its protocols. If speed is concerned, most of our VPNs use WireGuard. If privacy and security are concerned, most of them use IKev2 and OpenVPN for the best protection and anonymity.
Responsive Customer Support
To be on a list of good VPNs, one needs to check how good customer support VPNs offer. This is because everyone is not from an IT background. People may face issues, whether technological or billing. For instance, you may need to end your subscription. You need on-time and excellent customer support for all these purposes, which can lead you through all problems.
Best VPNs for VoIP Apps
We list the 3 most reliable VPNs you can prefer for any specific region, whether encrpytion or unblocking, particularly for VoIP.
ExpressVPN – The Best Overall VPN for VoIP
Features
Express provides you with the best VPN connection. It is pretty popular in the market and leads the entire VPN industry. It was based in the British Virgin Islands. It has more than 3200 servers available in 94 countries. All of them are good for unblocking games, websites, applications and VoIP services.
You can bypass the censorship of many nations just with a single click. Also, you can continue to use up to 5 devices simultaneously in one subscription. You can connect to any VPN server of Express and get seamless speed. Their lighting-fast LightWay Protocols are specially designed to manage a server's speed.
Lightway also uses the wolfSSL cryptography library to determine the best encryption server over your location and the best available internet speed. It also prevents battery drainage. Unlike many free VPN providers, Express has a severe and strict no-log policy.
With Express, you can also use features like a Kill switch, split tunneling and obfuscated servers. Its server software uses RAM chips that do not retain any data. It also has IKeV2 and IPSec, so no single leak can be possible while making international or local calls through VoIP.
Plus, the VPN application is super easy to use. The website is flooded with many articles, blogs, and even videos for set-up tutorials. Also, if there is some technical issue, you can speak to their customer representative anytime, 24/7, through live chat or email.
Devices
- Operating Systems: Windows, Android, Routers, Chromebook, iOS, Linux, Max, Fire Stick
- Devices: Smartphones, Tablets, Desktop computers
- Browser Extension: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox
- Smart Tv: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android Tv, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Tv.
- Other: Gaming consoles, PlayStation, Xbox
Pricing Packages
NordVPN – Premium VPN to Unblock Voice Over IP
NordVPN is also one of the best alternatives to ExpressVPN, specifically for those who are considerate about Express's heavy pricing. NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that does not keep any data and is not even a member of surveillance agencies such as 5 Eye or 9 Eye.
It has an extensive network of servers consisting of 5300 locations in 59 countries. It is industry-leading for privacy and security. It offers many security options, which a free VPN doesn't.
Through Nord, you can bypass any censorship on VoIP, be it Skype or Line. Also, you can use it to unblock streaming platforms. It even has a dedicated SmartPlay for streaming.
Nord has multi-hop, meaning the data passes through a chain of servers; it also provides the best speed through NordLynx, a protected protocol. Nord uses RAM-only servers and a kill switch to limit the leak of any single detail, and an ISP cannot request DNS leaks.
Also, Nord uses CyberSec- an adblocker for tracking malware and scareware and blocking all kinds of ads appearing during gameplay or video streaming.
It has a super easy and intuitive application, and you can connect up to 6 devices at a time. Also, NordVPN has customer support through chat for 24 hours, 7 weeks a day and a well-maintained website for all your queries and confusions.
Devices
- Operating Systems: Windows, Android, Routers, Chromebook, iOS, Linux, Mac, Kindle Fire, Pi, Firestick
- Devices: Smartphones, Tablets, Desktop computer
- Browser Extension: Google Chrome, Firefox
- Other: Gaming consoles, PlayStation, Xbox
- Smart Tv: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android Tv, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield
Pricing Packages
SurfsharkVPN – Budget-Friendly VPN Service for IP Calling
Features
Though new in the market, Surfshark keeps its good place as a VPN by giving all the features a digital user requires. It has 3000 plus servers in more than 60 counties. But what I like most about Surfshark is its device connections.
Yes, Surfshark provides unlimited device connections, which means you and your entire family are digitally sound and secure. Surfshark refrains from tracking any user data as far as privacy is concerned.
Big firms keep This policy audited; its location is a big plus for VoIP users. It is located in the British Virgin and is free from data retention laws.
Surfshark also has multi-hop, which means you can connect to two servers without letting the speed down. Surfshark uses industry-leading protocols WireGuard and throttles from all kinds of speed restrictions by masking the location from an ISP.
Surfshark is incredibly easy to use, yet the website provides many informative options. Also, you can avail yourself of their 24/7 live chat support for any problem or confusion.
Devices
- Operating Systems: Windows, Android, Routers, Chromebook, iOS, Linux, Max
- Devices: Smartphones, Tablets, Desktop computers
- Smart TV: Amazon Fire TV
- Browser Extension: Google Chrome, Firefox
Pricing Packages
CyberGhost VPN
Features
Being an old VPN, CyberGhost understands what a user needs. It has designed its policies as per the needs of the consumer. Be it encryption or server, you can be Ghostie with CyberGhost and make loads of VoIPs without issue.
The utmost advantage of CyberGhost is its vast network of servers. It has over 6,000 servers in 88 countries, with 7 device connections at a time. It even has virtual servers in countries that are enemies of VPNs, such as China, Turkey, Russia and Vietnam.
Not only this, CyberGhost uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to make a tunnel from which it is impossible to pass a single leak. CyberGhost has a strict no-log policy, and the VPN is also based in Romania, which does not keep any log of netizens and organizations.
With CyberGhost, you can unblock as many streaming services as you want, including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu or Tubi TV. You can also use VoIP in countries where its services are blocked. For the best experience, CyberGhost uses WireGuard as a speed protocol.
Above all else, CyberGhost has a dedicated IP whcih is only designed for a single user. Also, it has split tunneling and kills switches to keep the privacy of every user private.
Device Support
- Operating Systems: Windows, Android, Routers, Chromebook, iOS, Linux, Max
- Devices: Smartphones, Tablets, Desktop computers
- Smart TV: Amazon Fire TV, Apple Tv, Android Tv, Amazon Fire Tv
- Browser Extension: Google Chrome, Firefox
Pricing Packages
Where are VoIP services blocked?
VoIP service is blocked in many countries. Some of them are:
| Belize | Brazil | Caribbean Region | China |
| Cuba | Egypt | Jordan | Mexico |
| Pakistan | South Korea | North Korea | Kuwait |
| UAE | Oman | Morocco | Paraguay |
| Jordan | Israel | Qatar |
Why do I need a VPN for VoIP apps?
VoIP is a technology no one can leave. However, many countries still block their services to ensure people use costly phone calls to bring more revenue. Most telecom companies in Saudi Arabia are owned solely by the government.
You may need to share work-related information via VoIP or speak to your family. In this case, you can use a VPN. If you live in a country where VoIP is not working, you require a VPN to spoof your location.
However, do it with severe caution. If you are trying to spoof your location from China or Iran, you may end up in jail. VoIP prevents ISP, encrypts and snoops your metadata and help you to overcome all kind of geo hurdles without letting others know what is happening.
Protect international calling through VoIP VPN
Though VoIP service provides you with facilities for real-time chat, do you know all your calls are prone to viruses and cyber-attacks? Yes. You can enjoy free international calling through VoIP but at the cost of your privacy.
Someone Somewhere must have been sneaking into what you're discussing on call. Edward Snowden has recently talked about NSA and GCHQ surveillance, which can be on your call, so you must be protected from digital sneaking.
Plus, many VoIP services charge a small amount per minute of overseas calls; you could end up with a hefty bill. You can avoid this amount by connecting to a VPN. For instance, calls are cheaper in India than in the Middle East. So you can connect to an Indian server and spoof your location.
Free VPN with VoIP services
You can use the free VPN to unblock VoIP services; however, we will not suggest that. Free VPN services come at a severe cost. Some we have discussed above, and some we are talking about below.
Admittedly, some may give you good speed; some can unblock small sites and so on. But not all can provide you with everything with one login. You will need a paid VPN to avail all the benefits.
Free VPN service providers usually have
- fewer server locations
- restricted speed
- data restrictions
For a much better understanding, we are comparing both with each other. Have an overview.
| Features | Reliable VPN | Unreliable VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | Multiple servers | Few & overcrowded servers |
| Device connections | Multiple | Single |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Encryption | Tight | Loose |
| Geo unblocking Capabilites | Yes | Sometimes |
| Information tracking | No | Yes |
| Cyber protection | Yes | No |
Using a VPN to unblock online gaming voice chat
Without constant communication, many games like Free Fire, PUBG, Battlefield, and Counter-Strike would be impossible. Players even use third-party communication apps to be interrelated with everyone, like TeamSpeak.
If you live in a country where VoIP is blocked, you may be frustrated when not speaking to anyone else. Now, you need a VPN to regain the same pleasure.
Just subscribe to any of our recommended VPNs and enjoy your game with real-time chatting with friends. You can even unlock many games such as PUBG, blocked in several countries, and, of course, with an uncompromising Ping.
Popular VoIP Providers
Though many new and old VoIPs have conquered the market. Some are very famous and hence highly banned in many countries. Some of them are:
Skype: Available in 38 languages, through Skype, you can share your files and speak to anyone through audio or video conferencing. You can also call on a landline number but with minimal changes.
Viber is also a communication service available on different platforms and in 30 languages. ViberOut is a new feature that allows you to call numbers.
Google Hangouts is associated with Google for instant messaging and video communication.
Facetime: It is available for iOS devices only. You may call it an alternative to Messenger.
Line: Line is also popular worldwide in many languages and platforms. China is its biggest market. So you need to use the line if speaking to some Chinese client.
Quick Overview of VPNs suitable for VoIP
| Features | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Total Servers | 3000 | 5300 | 3200 | 6000 |
| Total countries | 94 | 59 | 65 | 88 |
| Headquarter | British Virgin Islands | Panama | British Virgin Islands | Romania |
| Number of Devices | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | 7 |
| Encryption | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Logging Policy | Don't keep logs | Don't keep logs | Don't keep logs | Don't keep logs |
| Unblocking Sites | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Torrenting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leak Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx | Shadowsocks | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
| Double VPN | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Obfuscation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dedicated IP | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 days | 45 days |
| Get It Now | Get It Now | Get It Now | Get It Now |
FAQs
Why do countries block VoIP services?
Many countries block VoIP services for many reasons. Firstly, the VoIP companies have end-to-end encryption, not letting an ISP sneak into it. Plus, VoIP is a threat to national telecommunication providers. These telecommunication companies are usually government-owned; if everyone switched to VoIP, the country's overall revenue would be severely affected.
Can you use a VPN with VoIP?
Yes, you can use a VPN for VoIP services. All your blocked VoIP will be unblocked, and your data will also be encrypted simultaneously. You are saved from third-party surveillance agencies like the government, advertisers and ISPs.
Does a VPN encrypt calls?
The reason for any VPN is to perform two functions: circumvent geo-restrictions and encrypt all your data. VPN encrypts your calls through VoIP.
Is Skype a VoIP?
Yes, Skype is a VoIP service. It is also called Skype Protocol. Skype is restricted in many regions, and people find it difficult to access. You can use a VPN to unblock Skype in countries where it is geo-blocked.
Are cookies still stored with a VPN?
Cookies are stored over your network because websites constantly issue them while you are visiting such sites. Whether you are using a VPN or not, these cookies are stored on your device.
It can also be possible that the VPN cannot detect cookies previously, and the website may take it to identify your location. You can use Google's incognito Mode or any other secured web browser to prevent cookies. You can also clear all cache by your side.
Can I make VoIP calls while using a VPN on an iPhone?
Yes, you can make VoIP calls using a VPN on your iPhone. As mentioned, all our VPN services support nearly all operating systems and device connections. You can choose and use any of them.
Should I keep using the VPN when making a VoIP call?
Yes, if a VoIP service is blocked in your region or country, you need to download a VPN for the calls you are making.
If you deactivate the VPN, your call immediately disconnects because an ISP blocks the servers of popular VoIPs. With the VPN, you can easily access those servers and call anywhere overseas.
Can a VPN be used to unblock VoIP services like Skype?
Skype is one of the widely used services. It is also a VoIP application. It is unblocked; a VPN helps you to keep up with the pace, which means you can use it to unblock Skype from a geo-restricted region.
You can also download Skype through a VPN, which may be unavailable on your local app store, and you can use a service without letting the government know of its repercussions.
Conclusion
VoIP is the best, in fact, the most feasible alternative to traditional methods. You can connect with anyone at any time and can get multiple benefits. You can conduct business meetings internationally through VoIP without spending much over long conversations.
However, as mentioned, VoIP services are blocked in many countries for the reasons discussed above. You can use all four recommended VPNs without any problem and circumvent all kinds of geo-restriction with turbo speed.