Are you a journalist wanting to enjoy Qatar’s freedom of speech and press? Would you like to enjoy geo-restricted content on streaming websites, Facebook, Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, or other social media and VoIP apps like the rest of the world? Using the best Qatar VPN is always your best bet!
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your web traffic and route it to an intermediary server, thus changing your IP address. In this article, we review the top VPN services to use in Qatar for unrestricted online experience.
Top 5 Qatar VPNs – Quick list
- NordVPN: High-end VPN service with a comprehensive security package.
- Private Internet Access: Popular security package for internet users since 2010. Private Internet Access VPN has more than 30,000 servers in 91 countries.
- ExpressVPN: Military-grade security, encryption, and fast streaming speeds make ExpressVPN the perfect service for unblocking geo-restricted content in Qatar.
- Surfshark: Best budget top-grade VPN for accessing social media in Qatar.
- PrivateVPN: Newcomer is taking the VPN industry by storm for its solid encryption protocols, fast speeds, and DNS leak protection.
Why do I need a VPN in Qatar?
Qatar is a Middle Eastern Country with stringent restrictions on the internet. According to the US Department of State, Qatar “criminalizes libel, restricts assembly, curtails freedoms of speech and formation of labor unions.” In 2016, the Qatari government blocked Doha News from covering sensitive political stories.
In part, this bans social media and several other websites. Most internet censorship happens discreetly, with ISP providers making the regulation. Some sources claim that the Ooredoo and Vodafone telcos are responsible for implementing the orders as the state wills.
Unrestricted internet advocacy body Freedom House further claims that the Qataris have no freedom of the press and suffer significant restrictions on information. Anyone who criticizes the government is subject to serious consequences, including prosecution.
Yet, the Qatari Royal family owns Al Jazeera, a worldwide news outlet that heavily criticizes neighboring Arab states but ignores the discontent at home.
The Qatari authorities have outlined a list of illegal sites that are technically outlawed. Some agencies threaten to take legal action against anyone who streams illegal content or downloads pirated material. However, the law has a gray area regarding using torrent sites, as there is no evidence of anyone ever being sued for downloading content.
So, if you are in Qatar and trying to access a social media website, stream content (or do anything else on the internet), have a VPN! A VPN comes in handy when you want to stay on the safe side of the law and enjoy the entire breadth of the internet.
With a proper VPN, you can unblock a sea of movies and TV shows on Netflix and other streaming websites. Apart from accessing geo-restricted apps and online services, you can easily unblock websites in Qatar.
Disclaimer: In no way does PrivacySavvy encourage the illegal access or use of the internet in Qatar. Our advocacy for using a VPN aligns with our objective to promote personal security and privacy on the internet. We advise you to seek legal guidance from a professional if you have any questions.
5 best Qatar VPNs in 2024 – Detailed list
The internet has dozens of VPNs you can use to unblock restricted content and pierce through firewalls. But only the best VPNs for Qatar can make it to our list. Our choice of the best VPNs in Qatar is based on a checklist of superior features.
Here are our selection criteria for the VPNs that we recommend for people in Doha and its environs:
- 24/7 customer support
- 256-bit military-grade encryption
- Fast and reliable
- Worldwide network of servers
- Several simultaneous connections per subscription
- Credible providers
- Functional in Qatar and the Middle East
Below is a detailed review of the best VPN services you can use in Arabia.
1. NordVPN
The safest VPN service in Qatar. Boasts a reputation for being one of the most trusted web privacy solutions due to its commitment to high-level security.
Network of over 6,800 speedy VPN servers present in 113 countries
Threat Protection (tracking, malware, and ad blocker)
Boasts military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Customizable kill switch feature
Has split tunneling
Multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides Onion over VPN functionality
Obfuscates VPN servers
Observes solid policy for no-logging
Each account allows to connect up to ten devices at once
Comes with a pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- Malware protection, anonymity, and ad-blocking features
- Knowledgeable 24/7 customer care
- RAM-based servers
Cons
- Some servers do not support torrenting
NordVPN provides a complete online security package of features. The VPN ranks high among web privacy tools for its dedication to top-notch security standards. Enjoy safe internet with the killswitch, DDoS protection, top-grade encryption, and electric speeds.
NordVPN has more than 6,800 servers in 113 countries worldwide. The company does not have servers in Qatar, but you can connect to those in neighboring countries, such as the UAE, which will meet the same goal.
As a package of security features, the VPN also comes with a Dark Web Monitor, split tunneling, no-log policy, and multi-factor authentication. Nord VPN employs CyberSec technology and is a hands-on security solution for blocking malware and advertisements. Cybersec, therefore, adds an extra layer of protection to the BPN.
The service unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other geo-restricted streaming websites. So, you can access entire content libraries in Qatar through NordVPN servers abroad.
Download speeds of up to 83 Mbps and uploads of 45 Mbps on a 100mbps internet connection make the VPN ideal for watching movies or live shows on US streaming sites.
NordVPN is registered in Panama, which is safe from the jurisdiction of the 5, 9, or 14 eyes. So they keep a strict zero log policy that assures you of total anonymity even in the eyes of the VPN providers.
So, stay safe by connecting NordVPN with up to ten devices using iOS, Linux, Mac, or Windows. You can also install NordVPN on Roku, Kodi, Firestick, or other streaming devices. The service is free for the first seven days, and you can get your money back in 30 days. See our comprehensive NordVPN review for more details.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
VPN with a large server network. One of the finest VPNs to use in Qatar for privacy concerns.
Over 35,000 VPN servers spread across 91 countries
Peer to Peer traffic supportive servers
Encryption with AES 128-bits and 256-bits
Protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE
Enforces a policy of zero logs
Runs on RAM-only servers
Effective split tunneling
Feature-rich kill switch
Strong protection for Web/DNS leaks
Each account allows unlimited simultaneous connections
30 days full money back guarantee
Pros
- Unique MACE ad-blocking feature
- Largest number of server locations for a VPN
- Apps are configurable
Cons
- Firestick app needs improvement
Private Internet Access is a VPN that boasts over 35,000 servers in 91 countries worldwide- yes, you got that right! PIA’s developers have your privacy in mind, and it’s easy to see with the killswitch, split tunneling, ad blocker, DNS leak protection, and no log policy.
More than 35,000 servers in 80 countries mean that you can even choose the IP of a specific street in New York City with a mailman’s precision. The extensive server network is RAM-based for extra privacy. Such an extensive network of servers makes it difficult for streaming websites to block a specific VPN IP address.
PIA unblocks all the popular streaming websites. So you can open Netflix libraries such as France, Spain, Denmark, Japan, the US, and the UK. You can also break the geo-restriction firewalls on websites such as Hulu, CBS, and Disney Plus.
70 Mbps download speed and 60 Mbps upload speed may not be the highest for a top-quality VPN. But the speeds are still good enough for streaming Ultra HD and 4k resolutions on large screens.
PIA VPN’s proprietary MACE technology blocks stubborn pop-up ads and potential malware. Add the AES-256-bit military-grade encryption and P2P support to find out why PIA is a good VPN for torrenting.
PIA VPN protects you from DNS, IP address, and WebRTS information leakage. The DNS protection protocols and servers allow the VPNs to process all the DNS requests instead of the internet service provider.
One PIA subscription connects unlimited simultaneous devices. The service is compatible with iOS, Firefox, Android, Linux, Windows, Mac OS, and others. The VPN also has extensions for web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome.
Private Internet Access VPN ranks among the cheapest online privacy tools you can get. You can pay with all the major credit cards and online banking services. Also, it is among the few that support payment through cryptos such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.
Check out our Private Internet Access VPN review to see how it performs in our tests.
3. ExpressVPN
Best VPN service for anyone who wishes to browse the internet safely (with complete freedom) from Qatar.
A network of more than 3,000 blazing-fast VPN servers scattered across 107 countries
Owns TrustedServer technology
Secures internet traffic with AES-256 data encryption
Implements no-logging policy
A split tunneling functionality that just works
Boasts network Lock (kill switch) feature
Supports Tor over VPN
Peer to peer connections allowed on servers
Each account allows up to eight simultaneous connections
Dependable 30 days refund policy
Pros
- Lightning speed connections
- Unblocks restricted content worldwide
- Best VPN for users in Qatar
Cons
- No Qatari servers
ExpressVPN is our top choice for anyone who wants to browse the internet safely from Qatar. The security service provides a comprehensive package of online security features with military-grade encryption, lightning speeds, and a vast server network.
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers located in 107 countries around the world. None of these servers is in Qatar, but those in the rest of the Middle East make up for this by unblocking and bypassing restrictions on Alkass, Al-Jazeera, and other Arabian networks.
The VPN unblocks streaming websites such as Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and BeIn Sports. So, you can watch an unlimited library of movies and TV shows in Qatar with the service. The P2P optimized service will let you download torrents without exposing your privacy to prying eyes.
ExpressVPN unblocks VoIP apps in Qatar and worldwide, including Skype, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Viber. You can also access blocked social media services in the country.
Users of ExpressVPN enjoy an upload speed of 52.13 Mbps and a download speed of 87.18 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. This makes the service perfect for streaming HD and 4K videos without buffering or data lags.
The provider has headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, which is far from the Five Eyes intelligence countries. Thus, this Qatar VPN service will not share your information with any intelligence agency.
The service protects you from DDOS and DNS attacks and IP address leakages. On top of this, the VPN ensures that your connection is safe with AES-256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and the Network Lock kill switch. Recently, ExpressVPN unveiled the Threat Manager to protect your device against trackers, snoopy applications, and malware further.
Enjoy up to eight simultaneous connections on your iOS, Mac OS, Linux, Firestick, Android, Windows, and even your Wi-Fi routers. If your device is incompatible with ExpressVPN, use the dedicated MediaStreamer Smart DNS. So, if you have Apple TVs, Smart TVs, or gaming consoles, install ExpressVPN Smart DNS.
And need I say that you will get amazing offers and other bonuses with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you get ExpressVPN in Qatar today? Check our comprehensive ExpressVPN review for more information.
4. Surfshark
An excellent VPN service that comes with all the features of a premium security service, but at a significantly lower price than most others.
A network of 3200+ servers spread in 100 countries worldwide
RAM-based servers (good for privacy)
Strict policy for no-logging
Robust data AES-256 (military-grade) encryption
Supporting Peer to Peer traffic
Smart kill switch feature
CleanWeb ad and malware blocking feature
Split tunneling with dependable effectiveness
Each account allows connecting an unlimited number of devices at once
30 days of no-questions-asked refunds
Pros
- Unblocks streaming services in Qatar
- Most affordable top-grade VPN
- Dependable 24/7 customer support
Cons
- It’s not among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
Surfshark is a top-quality VPN with all the features of a premium security service but at an astonishingly low price. Think of Surfshark as a military-grade VPN that is easy to navigate but affordable for everyone!
Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries around the world. Although the company has no servers in Qatar, they have a number in the neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE. So you can unblock Al Jazeera, Al Kass TV, or other Qatari content.
The offshore server locations unblock Netflix, DC Universe, Hulu, HBO, and other geo-restricted streaming websites from the country. Also, you can unblock VoIP apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber.
Surfshark delivers safe internet at an upload speed of 72.12 Mbps and a download speed of up to 81 Mbps when you are running on a 100 Mbps connection. That’s enough to stream 4k and Ultra HD videos on a large screen!
Besides, the 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch ensure that you have no data connection issues. The CleanWeb feature fights off ads, trackers, and malware, while the No Borders, Multi-hop, and Bypass boost online privacy. The DNS and IP leakage protection guarantees your safety on the internet.
Surfshark is compatible with different operating systems and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Take a look at our comprehensive Surfshark VPN review for more info.
5. PrivateVPN
A Swedish VPN service that offers fine performance and protects you from any risk while online in Qatar.
200+ server locations across 63 countries
256-bit AES encryption for robust data security
Peer to Peer-supportive network
Dependable web leak protection
Provides a kill switch
Doesn’t keep users logs
Each account allows up to ten devices at once
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free remote VPN installation
- Customizable encryption
Cons
- 24/7 live customer support feature is absent
PrivateVPN is an online security and privacy tool from Swedish company Privat Global AB. Since 2009, this VPN has endured several anti-VPN purges to rightfully claim its place as one of the oldest and most credible online privacy tools.
The VPN has more than 200 servers across 63 countries. It is lower than Private Internet Access or ExpressVPN, but it covers several major cities worldwide. It’s actually enough to unlock most geo-restricted content. So you can confidently stream Hulu, HBO, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video. Also, the high speeds of safe internet will stream Ultra HD and 4K resolutions onto your large TV screen without losing detail in the image.
The P2P connection support allows you to download torrents. You have a DNS leak, IP leak protection, and a Kill Switch to keep you safe during torrent activities.
PrivateVPN offers AES-256-bit encryption, HTTP-proxy, and SOCKS 5, and their protocols include PPTP, l2TP, IPsec, OpenVPN, and IKEV2. With a zero-log policy, nobody can access your personal information- not even the VPN company itself.
One VPN subscription can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices across all major operating systems. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Take a look at our PrivateVPN review for comprehensive testing and analysis.
How we handpicked the best Qatar VPNs
The political situation in Qatar demands using a VPN with watertight privacy features. The internet has hundreds of VPN services and privacy security tools. However, not every virtual private network can bypass internet censorship and protect you from online surveillance in Qatar. So, how would you find the one that meets these requirements?
To answer this question, we list the parameters we considered to list the VPN providers as the best to use in Qatar.
1. Unblocking geo-restrictions and breaking firewalls
Or recommended VPNs have servers all around the world. We’ve handpicked online security services to break through firewalls and open seas of blocked content. So, for example, if you’re in Qatar and want to watch US Netflix on Smart TV, our VPNs will offer you servers in Washington, DC, and other cities with wide catalogs. So, the VPNs that make our list open streaming websites and social media apps that are banned in Qatar.
2. Military-grade encryption
All our recommended VPNs have strong AES-256-bit encryption. The military and Intelligence agencies use this technology to protect their databases. The tight encryption protocol will hide your browsing activity from the prying eyes of Qatari authorities.
3. Lightening speed
Our VPNs will stream 4K and Ultra HD resolutions without any buffering. We chose VPNs that cannot lower your internet speed below 30%.
4. Intelligent server obfuscation
Qatar does not have official laws in place to prohibit the use of virtual private networks. But, you could easily raise suspicion when you use a VPN in the country. Obfuscation features in the VPN will mask your VPN traffic into the standard HTTPS. So, internet service providers in Qatar will not easily identify that you’re using a VPN to hide any web activity.
5. Worldwide servers
A good VPN for Qatar should provide an extensive network of servers worldwide. You can unblock content from any country when you have a wide variety of server locations. Selecting your virtual location to a city of your choice is one of the perks you get for using a VPN with a vast network of servers.
6. Comprehensive online security package
We specifically chose those with advanced security features while selecting VPNs we recommend for Qatari users. The modern VPN is a solution to all your privacy and security worries of internet browsing. So they have IP and DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature to hide your activities even when the connection drops.
Should I use a free VPN in Qatar?
There are dozens of free VPNs that Qatari citizens can use. If you want to use the best free VPN, you can find it here. But once you understand that Qatar’s political and online landscape is closely monitored and censored, you may want to think again.
You want a VPN option with top-quality speeds, encryption, and privacy. At least you’re avoiding situations where accessing banned content or escaping government censorship in Qatar needs to catch up with you.
Most free VPNs provide basic security products to unsuspecting users and monetize the service through pesky adverts. Also, you’ll have several interruptions to upgrade to premium services. You will have to tolerate the slow speeds, poor customer support, and terrible experiences that come with free online security services.
A free VPN with Qatari locations can sound impressive. But some free VPNs even unethically leverage your bandwidth to build an army of botnets. Many users claim that some VPNs inject malware into your host device or even mine your data. Some sources have even claimed that free VPN providers trade their users’ data.
So, do not download any service posing as the free Qatar VPN! Instead, opt for the premium VPN services that provide me with top-grade services. And why would you want to risk your online privacy and security for free VPNs anyway?
How to browse the internet safely with a VPN in Qatar
Even with all the censorship and scrutiny, you can still surf the internet anonymously in Qatar with the help of a VPN. First, you must choose one of the reliable VPNs in this article.
Follow this method to use the internet privately in Qatar:
- Subscribe and install a reliable VPN service such as NordVPN.
- Sign up and pay for the service using PayPal, Bitcoin, credit card, or your convenient payment method.
- Download the apps directly from the NordVPN website to your device.
- Follow their instructions to install the service successfully on your internet router or device.
- Now open the VPN application and connect to a server location.
- Your internet activities are now secure and private.
Accessing Netflix libraries in Qatar
You see your local content library whenever you log on to your Netflix account. This applies to both residents and tourists. If you travel from America or Europe and open your Netflix in Qatar, you will realize there are movies you won’t be able to access.
Netflix normally uses your IP address to determine the kind of library they will show you. Some content that is available in the United States is banned in Qatar. However, you can overcome this restriction by using a VPN. For instance, you can connect to a VPN server in New York and make Netflix think you are watching from the city. And they’ll automatically open the US Netflix catalog for you.
Netflix operates by the laws of the country where it shows content. So, if a movie is banned in Qatar, Netflix will not risk showing it there. Also, Netflix will not show content in a region where a movie has copyright restrictions and Licensing issues.
Some VPNs do not support Netflix and will show you the proxy error message. We’ve strictly recommended VPNs that work seamlessly with Netflix.
How to browse with a Qatar IP address
Many countries in the world impose restrictions on the internet using IP addresses. Qatar has geo-restrictions on sporting and streaming websites. Some content may be accessible in Qatar but not available in other countries. For instance, several local TV networks showed the 2023 World Cup massively on several TV networks in Qatar. If you want to watch such sporting activities, you have to obtain a Qatar IP address.
You can use a Qatari VPN server address to browse the internet from Doha or other cities with the following method:
- First, subscribe to the best safe VPN service in Qatar.
- Download and install the VPN app onto your internet router or device.
- Now connect to a server in Qatar.
- Browse safely with a Qatar IP address.
FAQs
Your VPN will not work in Qatar if it’s one of the
by the government and internet service providers. The Qatari monarchy government implements strict internet censorship and
belonging to suspected VPN servers. Our recommended VPN services have hundreds and sometimes tens of thousands of servers to beat this.
Yes, you can use a VPN to
in Qatar, such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Viber. You can also unblock geo-restricted sites and Netflix with a VPN. Use WhatsApp and other VoIP services by connecting to a VPN server where it is available.
Most VPN services, including top-tier providers, do not cover the Middle East. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN, the leading VPNs in the industry, lack Qatari servers. Nevertheless, some VPNs, like HideMyAss and VyprVPN, have Qatari servers.
