Skype is blocked in many countries, but with a VPN you can use the service freely and unblock calls and video chats. A VPN will also allow you to hide your Skype calls and messages from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) so that you have more privacy when using the app.
With a Skype VPN, you can also overcome issues concerning the security of your IP address when using Skype. This means hackers and cyber criminals using “Skype Resolvers” won’t be able to easily find your IP address and location.
This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to unblock Skype and enable calls on the messaging platform as well as examine the other benefits that a VPN brings. Here is everything you need to know about using a VPN for Skype.
Your access to Skype could be blocked for a number of reasons; either the country you live in has banned the VoIP platform, your network provider blocks access to it, or your school or work network bans the use of messaging services. Either way, a VPN makes it easy to unblock Skype within a few seconds.
Firstly, you need to sign up for a VPN subscription with a service that can unblock Skype. The VPNs on our list below are good options. Once you have an account with the VPN of your choice, download the correct VPN app for your device.
Before you connect to a server, it is a good idea to adjust a few VPN features for the best Skype experience possible. If you live in a restricted region, enable any features that allow you to overcome geo-blocks. Moreover, change your VPN protocol to one that delivers fast speeds, such as WireGuard.
After setting up the VPN app, open the location tab and connect to a server in a country where Skype is permitted. If possible, choose a server close to your physical location or use the fast connection button to connect to the best server possible in terms of speeds.
Once the connection is active, you should be able to unblock Skype. Head to the Skype website, and create an account before downloading the app. Your IP address should reflect your new virtual location and make it easy to have private voice calls.
If you want to protect your identity while calling and messaging on Skype, we recommend downloading and using a premium VPN. Here are the best VPNs for Skype in 2025.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is a great VPN service that allows users to unblock Skype and other VoIP services from anywhere in the world. Not only this, but you can enjoy a stable Skype connection with NordVPN thanks to great speeds.
NordVPN allows users living in restricted countries to use Skype without being detected. This is because it has obfuscated servers on its network, meaning its VPN use is undetectable to websites and services. Better yet, there is AES-256 bit encryption which hides browsing data from third parties such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and government agencies.
You can connect to over 5,000 servers from around 59 countries with NordVPN, giving you plenty of shared IP address options. This ensures that you can easily unblock Skype by using an IP address from a country where the platform is allowed. You can also purchase a dedicated IP address if you prefer to have your very own VPN IP for Skype.
Speeds are excellent with NordVPN thanks to its NordLynx protocol; this ensures you have a stable connection for Skype calls when you are using the VPN service.
You can enjoy NordVPNon 6 devices simultaneously, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also configure NordVPN to your home router so that all devices on your network enjoy VPN protection and can unblock Skype.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark prioritizes privacy whilst unblocking VoIP apps like Skype, making it an excellent choice to protect your connections while using instant messaging services like Skype. It does this by combining military-grade encryption with features like a kill switch and IP leak protection for a completely safe experience.
Whether you want to access Skype privately or you need to unblock Skype and answer video calls abroad, Surfshark is an excellent option. The VPN has a large server network of more than 3,200 servers, spread across 60+ countries. If you live in Iran, you’ll easily be able to connect to Skype using one of Surfshark’s servers.
There are some useful additional privacy features, which are great for Skype users who want to keep voice calls confidential. You can send your traffic via multiple servers at once thanks to the MultiHop option making it harder for third parties to find out your real IP and location.
Speeds are great with Surfshark. As well as offering protocols that are optimal for VoIP calls, like WireGuard, the VPN has split tunneling. You can send your Skype traffic via the VPN and all your other data through your regular connection.
Surfshark comes with a wide range of apps for all popular devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. There is a generous unlimited simultaneous connections policy, meaning that you can use Skype safely across all of your devices.
If you run into any issues while setting up Skype with the Surfshark apps, there is excellent customer support available with well-written articles and a live chat.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN choice for Skype. Firstly, it operates more than 3,000 servers worldwide, meaning you can easily unblock the app in parts of the world where it is banned. Secondly, it operates excellent privacy features to help your Skype data remain private.
With ExpressVPN, all of your Skype calls and messages will be protected by advanced encryption. Your data will be essentially indecipherable, making it a safe option if you want to use Skype on public Wi-Fi networks where there could be third-parties spying on your messages.
Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN uses obfuscation to hide VPN usage from third parties. This makes it easier for the VPN to unblock Skype in places where it is banned, like China.
Skype connections are super fast with ExpressVPN, for several reasons. Firstly, the VPN operates its very-own Lightway protocol which is based on open-source WireGuard. Secondly, private DNS on all servers ensures faster speeds across every VPN connection.
There’s support for a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. This means you can make Skype calls on all of your devices with extra privacy. However, the limit of just 5 simultaneous connections means you may have to pick and choose which devices you install the VPN on.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
We’re big fans of CyberGhost at PrivacySharks. The VPN has one of the most user-friendly apps in the industry, making it super easy for Skype users to connect to a server and adjust settings for a safe VPN experience.
CyberGhost prioritizes user privacy; not only does it operate military-grade encryption but it uses protocols like WireGuard and even offers access to its very-own NoSpy servers. By connecting to a NoSpy server, based in Romania, Skype users can enjoy total anonymity since the servers are manned end-to-end by the CyberGhost team.
If you’re a fan of other online activities like gaming or streaming, CyberGhost is a good option. Its unlimited bandwidth policy means you can leave the VPN running all day long, so that you can enjoy private Skype calls as well as free streaming and safe gaming.
CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections and offers support for a wide range of devices and operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. You’ll be able to make private Skype calls all day long on your favorite devices.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free version
Fast server speeds
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Expensive paid plan
Based in USA (5 Eyes)
Only 5 simultaneous connections
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Hotspot Shield is an excellent option for users who don’t just want to unblock Skype but also want a fast connection. As well as allowing calls on Skype, Hotspot Shield’s premium plan uses the Catapult Hydra protocol to ensure you enjoy the fastest VPN connection possible. We ran tests while the VPN was active behind Skype, and enjoying breakneck download speeds of 36Mbps.
There are around 3,200 servers on Hotspot Shield’s network, meaning you have plenty of choices when it comes to changing your IP address. This makes Hotspot Shield a great VPN for unblocking various platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and social networking sites like Tumblr and Instagram.
The Hotspot Shield apps are well-designed and simple to use, making the VPN a great choice for beginner VPN users. There are apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.
Security features are good, which bodes well for users wanting to keep their Skype data private. Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 bit encryption and has a no-logs policy. This is important since the VPN service is based in the United States, a country with heavy data-logging laws. Hotspot Shield’s policy will ensure your Skype conversations aren’t shared with the US government.
There are many free VPNs that work with Skype. The best is ProtonVPN, which offers free servers in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands so that you can unblock Skype. Moreover, ProtonVPN comes with unlimited bandwidth, making it a good option for users who want to have Skype calls. ProtonVPN also uses encryption on all of its free servers, meaning your Skype data will remain private.
Tuxler VPN, Hola VPN, and PrivadoVPN are also good free options for Skype. However, these three aren’t as good as ProtonVPN for a few reasons. Tuxler and Hola VPN aren’t as secure since users share their IP addresses with one another to help provide access to blocked sites. Furthermore, your data may be logged with these services.
PrivadoVPN is a secure free VPN; however, the monthly 10Gb data limit means you will have to use the VPN sparingly on Skype.
Leaked files from Edward Snowden revealed that the US National Security Agency (NSA) eavesdrops on Skype conversations. This means that your conversations are not encrypted, even though Skype uses encryption on its platform.
To ensure that your private messages and conversations remain confidential, you need to use a VPN. However, using a VPN alone won’t ensure that your messages remain totally private, since Skype may still share these. You’ll need to create an account using a burner email and ensure that it isn’t linked to your actual email address or name in any way. By then using a VPN, you have an additional layer of privacy to keep your conversations safe.
A VPN may slow down Skype; however, there are a few things you can do to avoid your VPN connection interrupting with Skype calls, some of which may even speed up your internet connection.
Firstly, you should choose a protocol that offers fast speeds. For example, WireGuard and IKEv2 are great tunneling protocols for fast speeds, and also won’t reduce your level of online security. You can also ensure you have good connection speeds on Skype by connecting to a nearby server so that your data doesn’t have to travel so far.
Many countries block VoIP apps like Skype, including Saudi Arabia and China. Using a VPN allows you to freely use these apps in any country.
Yes, a Skype VPN is legal. However, using a VPN to unblock the service in some countries may be illegal, so we recommend you employ a VPN with caution.
Yes, using a VPN shrouds your voice and video calls in a layer of encryption. Your ISP and hackers won't be able to view your conversations if you use a VPN.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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