I know how frustrating it can be when poor connection quality, geo-restrictions, censorship, or network administrator blocks get in the way of your Skype calls. Whether it’s a work meeting or catching up with loved ones, you need a virtual private network (VPN) that delivers speed, security, and reliability every single time.
After testing numerous VPNs, I’ve narrowed down the options to the 5 best VPNs for Skype , so you can count on smooth Skype usage no matter where you are.
In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for Skype I’ve done the research for you and found the 5 best Skype VPNs . They are as follows:
Surfshark
● Best budget VPN with premium features
Why use a VPN for Skype? I recommend using a Skype VPN, and here’s why:
Bypass regional blocks. Skype is restricted or blocked in many countries. Skype users can unblock Skype by connecting to a VPN server in a country with full Skype access.
Privacy protection. A quality Skype VPN sends all of your data through an encrypted tunnel on its way to and from Skype’s servers, keeping you safe from government surveillance and hackers, even on public WiFi.
Improve performance. Your Internet service provider (ISP) may throttle your connection during your VoIP calls, intentionally slowing your connection to decrease your data usage. A VPN prevents ISP throttling by encrypting your online activities.
How to choose the best VPN for Skype Only select VPNs reliably access Skype from any country and support a strong call quality. Here’s what I look for in a Skype VPN.
Speed. A fast VPN is a necessity for high-quality Skype calls.
Unblocking capability. A VPN needs to hide your true location and VPN usage to effectively unblock Skype.
Server network. A large network of servers supports better speed by offering close-by server options and by preventing online traffic congestion.
Security and privacy. A secure VPN protects Skype users from surveillance and hackers.
Compatibility. A Skype VPN with user-friendly apps for all common home and mobile devices makes Skype use a breeze.
Customer service. I recommend getting a plan that comes with 24/7 customer support and at least a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5 best VPNs for Skype Here are my picks for the 5 best Skype VPNs on the market:
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
ExpressVPN is my top choice for Skype and other VoIP services because it offers blazing speeds, robust security, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions effortlessly. It’s hands-down my go-to for reliable video and voice calls.
Features : ExpressVPN packs in a ton of extras I find super helpful, like 24/7 customer support, split tunneling, Smart DNS, ad blocking, malware protection, and even a built-in password manager . With 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, I can connect virtually to just about any location worldwide.
Speed : ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested. Using the auto connect feature, Express maintained 96% of its baseline download speed, ensuring quality performance for Skype use and more.
Privacy and Security : You’ll feel good knowing this VPN encrypts all your internet traffic using AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, reliable leak protection, RAM-only servers, secure tunneling protocols, and its verified no-logs policy .
Performance : Beyond unblocking Skype VoIP apps, ExpressVPN works flawlessly for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It’s my go-to for any online activity that demands speed and reliability.
Streaming: Express can easily bypass restrictions on popular streaming services so you can enjoy tons of online content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more !
Compatibility : ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for all major devices, including PCs, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more . Plus, it allows up to 8 simultaneous connections .
Pricing : The best deal is their 12-month plan at $6.67/month , which includes 3 extra months for free . And with a 30-day money-back guarantee , you can try it risk-free.
Pros
24/7 customer support 30-day money-back guarantee Blazing fast speeds Dependable geo-spoofing User-friendly apps Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
NordVPN is a close second for Skype use, offering a fast, secure, and reliable VPN connection. It’s loaded with features that make my online experience smooth and worry-free.
Features : NordVPN comes with premium tools like 24/7 customer support, Smart DNS, ad blocking, malware protection, double VPN, and dedicated IPs . Its network of over 7,100 servers across 118 countries , keeps me connected globally.
Speed : I’m impressed with NordVPN’s speeds, maintaining 98% of its baseline speed for a local Internet connection.
Privacy and Security : NordVPN has strong security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, RAM-only servers, an independently audited no-logs policy, and multiple protocols that keep you safe.
Performance : From VoIP calling and streaming to torrenting and gaming, NordVPN’s performance never lets me down.
Streaming: Not only can NordVPN unblock Skype, but it’s great at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more . Plus, NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth giving you almost limitless online entertainment.
Compatibility : NordVPN works on almost any device, including mobile devices, laptops, smart TVs, desktops, routers, and gaming consoles . Plus, it supports up to 10 simultaneous connections .
Pricing : Plans start at $3.39/month, with 4 extra months free, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
24/7 customer support 30-day money-back guarantee Excellent speed Reliable geo-spoofing Broad server network Cons
Occasional connectivity issues Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance or features. With unlimited device connections , it’s perfect for large households or office networks.
Features : For such an affordable price, Surfshark offers incredible features. You get 3,200 servers in 100 countries, ad and malware blocking, Smart DNS, split tunneling, static IPs, and 24/7 customer support . It even comes with a data breach monitoring tool!
Speed : Surfshark generally provides decent speeds and stable connections. If I ever experience slowdowns during Skype calls, I contact support, and they help me find a faster Internet connection.
Privacy and Security : Surfshark takes user privacy seriously with its military-level encryption, RAM-only servers, secure tunneling protocols, leak protection, and a zero-logs policy .
Performance : Whether I’m using my VPN to unblock Skype VoIP services, stream online content, game, torrent, or just browse, Surfshark’s performance has always been reliable. High server loads can slow connections down, but switching servers solves the problem quickly.
Streaming: Not only does Surfshark bypass VOiP restrictions, but it can also unblock geo-restricted content libraries on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more !
Compatibility : Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, mobile devices, and more . Best of all, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections .
Pricing : Plans start at just $1.99/month, including 4 free months . You also get a 30-day risk-free tria l.
Pros
24/7 customer support 30-day money-back guarantee Low cost Unlimited simultaneous connections Dependable geo-spoofing Cons
Slower speeds during peak-use times Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 7
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Cyberghost with 84% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
CyberGhost is another low-cost VPN that performs well for Skype and offers impressive privacy and unblocking capability.
Features : CyberGhost has an expansive network of over 11,500 servers in 91+ countries, including servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting . Other advanced features include split tunneling, automatic Wi-Fi protection, an ad blocker, and 24/7 customer support .
Speed : CyberGhost delivers solid speeds on local servers, maintaining 74% of the baseline download speed. For the best results, I stick to their WireGuard protocol and nearby servers.
Privacy and Security : CyberGhost protects my online privacy with 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, RAM-only servers, secure tunneling protocols, DNS leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy .
Performance : I’ve had good success using CyberGhost for unblocking Skype VoIP services, streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It performs best when connected to local or specialized servers.
Streaming: With CyberGhost, you can access geo-restricted content libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more !
Compatibility : CyberGhost supports up to 7 devices at once and its user-friendly apps work seamlessly on laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and more .
Pricing : CyberGhost starts at just $2.03/month , with 4 free months and a 45-day money-back guarantee .
Pros
24/7 customer support 45-day money-back guarantee Low-cost plans Large server network Reliable geo-spoofing Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
Get Proton VPN with 56% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
Proton VPN is a solid choice for Skype users, with excellent security and fast speeds. Best of all it has a reliable free version.
Features : Proton VPN offers premium features like an ad blocker, malware protection, split tunneling, and double-hop connections . Its paid plans include access to 8,600 servers across 112 countries , while the free version gives you servers in 3 countries, including servers located in the US.
Speed : Proton VPN’s speed is good enough for most online activities, maintaining 76% of its baseline download speed locally.
Privacy and Security : Proton VPN takes security seriously with AES-256 bit encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS/IP leak protection, secure tunneling protocols, and a strict no-logs policy .
Performance : Whether I’m using VoIP services, streaming, gaming, or browsing, Proton VPN delivers smooth and reliable performance.
Streaming: You can access geo-restricted content libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more using Proton VPN.
Compatibility : Proton VPN works on most devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Fire TV Stick . It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections .
Pricing : Paid plans start at $4.99/month with 3 free months and a 30-day trial . The free tier is also a great option if you’re on a budget.
Pros
30-day money-back guarantee Excellent speeds Dependable geo-spoofing Free tier with unlimited bandwidth and data Cons
Live chat support isn’t 24/7 Limited features on free plan How I chose and tested the best VPNs for Skype All of my recommended VPNs were carefully researched based on the following criteria:
Speed. Speed testing was conducted on a variety of server locations to ensure the VPN provider could support flawless Skype conversations anywhere.
Unblocking capability. I tried out each VPN to ensure it could bypass VoIP blocks, even in countries with strong firewalls and strict government censorship.
Server network. I made sure the VP provider had a broad selection of servers worldwide in countries that support unrestricted Skype access.
Privacy and security. All recommended VPNs have strong security tools, including an independently verified zero-logs policy, AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and secure tunneling protocols.
Compatibility. I prioritized VPNs with user-friendly apps compatible with all common devices and operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.
Customer support. I gave preference to providers that offer 24/7 live chat support and at least a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Where is Skype blocked? Skype has been fully banned in the following countries:
Guyana
Libya
Kuwait
North Korea
Oman
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
The app is partially restricted in the following locations:
Bahrain
Belize
Brazil
China
Cuba
Egypt
Iran
Jordan
Malaysia
Mexico
Morocco
Myanmar
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Russia
Saudia Arabia
Singapore
Syria
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
How to use a VPN with Skype
Enjoy unrestricted access to Skype by following the instructions below.
Select and subscribe to a reliable VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN .
Install the VPN app on your device.
Open the app and connect to a nearby server in a country without a Skype block.
Log in to your Skype account .
You can now access Skype and stay in touch with friends and family worldwide for free.
How to download Skype with a VPN in a restricted country In most countries, you can download the Skype app from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or directly from the Skype website. If you are in a country where Skype is blocked, you will need to establish a VPN connection in a country where Skype use is unrestricted before going to the website and downloading the app onto your device.
Free Skype calls using a VPN You can make free Skype calls from anywhere in the world, even in countries where Skype is banned or restricted by following these simple steps.
Select a high-quality VPN service and purchase a subscription. I recommend using ExpressVPN.
Download the VPN app onto your device.
Open the app and connect to a nearby server in a country where Skype is readily available.
Open Skype and log in to your account.
Start making free voice and video calls on Skype.
Skype not working with a VPN: Solutions If your VPN isn’t working for you, try these simple fixes.
Switch servers. Your VPN server may be overcrowded or blocked, keeping it from working effectively.
Switch protocols. You may need a faster protocol for Skype to work effectively, like Wireguard, Lightway, NordLynx, or IKEv2.
Reset the kill switch. Turning off and then reactivating the kill switch can help if it’s activating while your VPN tries to establish a connection.
Update your app. Make sure you have the most recent update for your VPN app installed.
Contact customer support. Reach out to customer support for troubleshooting advice specific to your needs.
TOM Skype: What you should know Skype, like many other websites and apps, is blocked in China. If you try to download the Skype app while in China, you will get their version of the app called TOM Skype instead. While it works much the same way as Skype, it allows for surveillance and censorship by the Chinese government.
If you want a private connection while using Skype, I recommend using a secure VPN to connect to a server outside of China and staying away from TOM-Skype.
Can I use a free VPN for Skype? The only free VPN service I recommend for Skype is Proton VPN’s free version. Proton VPN offers the same strong security features to their paying and non-paying customers. Plus, they offer unlimited bandwidth and data on the free plan, which means you’ll get decent speeds despite the limited server options.
Most free VPN providers don’t have the software necessary to access Skype from a restricted country, and even if they can bypass restrictions, they typically cut costs by skimping on data, bandwidth, and servers, which can lead to poor performance.
In addition, free VPNs are rarely as secure as reputable subscription plans, with some profiting by selling your browser history to the highest bidder,r making them risky, especially in countries with heavy government surveillance and censorship.
FAQ Can I use Skype with a VPN? Yes. You can use Skype with a VPN.
Is it legal to use Skype with a VPN? Yes. It is legal to use Skype with a VPN.
Can I use a VPN for video calls? Yes. A VPN works for video calls, voice calls, and instant messages.
What is the best VPN for Skype? The best VPN service for Skype is ExpressVPN , with its reliable unblocking capabilities, excellent speed, secure servers, and user-friendly apps.
Does Skype work in China? No. China offers its own version of the app, which has a reputation for allowing surveillance and censorship. If you want to make private Skype calls, use a quality VPN to access Skype outside of China.
Conclusion Finding the right VPN can make all the difference when it comes to Skype calls. Whether you want top-tier performance with ExpressVPN , a free option like Proton VPN, or anything in between, there’s a VPN here to fit your needs.