5 Best VPNs for Qatar in 2023 for Privacy, Speed & Streaming

Maintaining your online safety in Qatar is paramount. Censorship is common in the country — that’s why you can’t access certain websites, streaming platforms, and VoIP services (like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime). Additionally, Qatari residents may find their favorite local content inaccessible while abroad.

A reliable VPN helps you protect your connection in Qatar. My team and I tested over 60 services to find the best VPNs for Qatar with robust security features and no-logs policies. Moreover, they have fast global networks that help you access local and international services at top speeds from anywhere.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Qatar. It has military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit) and RAM-based servers to safeguard your data. Additionally, you can use its super-fast global servers to chat on Telegram or watch your favorite shows on Netflix US without interruptions. You can try ExpressVPN for Qatar risk-free, as it comes with a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Best VPNs for Qatar — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

I compared numerous services to find the best VPNs for Qatar. All VPNs on this list offer top-tier security features and no-logs policies to keep your personal information safe. They also come with fast servers around the globe to let you browse, stream, and torrent without slowdowns.

Additionally, these VPNs have intuitive apps for popular operating systems and support multiple simultaneous connections. Even better, each VPN comes with a trustworthy refund policy to try them without risk.

1. ExpressVPN — Robust Security Features to Protect Your Data in Qatar and Worldwide

ExpressVPN protects your online privacy in Qatar with top-notch security features. It safeguards your traffic with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit — the strongest standard available). Plus, it uses high-grade tunneling protocols — including speed-focused Lightway, mobile-friendly IKEv2, and highly secure OpenVPN. There’s also an obfuscation technology that disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic for extra privacy.

The Network Lock (kill switch) is enabled by default to prevent accidental data exposure. It blocks your internet traffic if you suddenly lose a VPN connection (which didn’t happen during my tests). The Perfect Forward Secrecy regularly changes your encryption keys (making it even more difficult for hackers to decrypt your information). What’s more, I didn’t detect any IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks while testing ExpressVPN’s Egypt servers.

A strict no-logs policy means your personally identifiable information isn’t shared with anyone. The VPN is also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands — beyond the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (data-sharing pacts). Additionally, thanks to the RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology), your web data is deleted with every reboot.

You can find reliable servers in 94 countries to bypass geoblocks. I accessed my Netflix US, and HBO Max accounts to watch new episodes of Ozark and Peacemaker without issues. ExpressVPN easily unblocks popular VoIP services (including WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Telegram). You can also connect to a server in Turkey to watch 101 East on Al Jazeera or FIFA World Cup on beIN Sports.

I recorded superfast speeds throughout my tests. My average download speed on nearby servers (Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus) was 56.2 Mbps. I also got over 40 Mbps by connecting to the long-distance US servers. Note that you only need 25 Mbps to stream UHD content buffer-free.

Additionally, all servers are optimized for P2P file-sharing and have unlimited bandwidth. So, you can torrent as much as you like without slowdowns. Plus, the split tunneling feature helps you choose which traffic passes through the VPN and which stays on your local network. This helped me encrypt my torrenting activity while I browsed and streamed using my regular internet connection.

All apps are intuitive and support various operating systems. On top of that, VPN beginners can find many detailed guides and video tutorials on the official website. I also contacted customer support via 24/7 live chat about the Linux setup and received a helpful answer almost immediately.

The VPN is pricier than other providers, with the cheapest plan starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN often provides exceptional discounts. I chose the 12-month plan and got 49% off with 3 extra months free. ExpressVPN supports all major payment systems. It even accepts cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin) from one-time email accounts if you don’t want to share your personal information.

On top of that, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not fully satisfied. I found the refund policy very straightforward. I canceled my subscription via an online chat (it took me only a couple of minutes). My bank account was reimbursed in just 2 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Ample Reliable Servers in Qatar to Access Local Content while Traveling

CyberGhost lets you access Qatari websites, apps, and streaming services from anywhere. It has 14 servers in Doha to help you bypass geo-restrictions and unblock local content. For example, I streamed Qatar Television and beIN Sports while testing CyberGhost’s local servers from abroad trouble-free.

A worldwide server network covers 91 countries to stream shows on your Netflix US and Disney+ accounts while visiting the country. I had no problems watching The Mandalorian while connected to a Chicago server. Similarly, you can use international servers for Skyping with your friends from Qatar.

Even though CyberGhost isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN, it still offers excellent speeds. You can also click on the big power button to immediately connect to the quickest server for your location. I recorded an average download speed of 51.3 Mbps on Qatari servers, which is great for UHD streaming and video chatting. The VPN has uncapped bandwidth and P2P support too, so you can download files without limits.

Your sensitive data is safeguarded with robust encryption (AES 256-bit) and security protocols (including WireGuard and OpenVPN). A kill switch also prevents data exposure if you lose a VPN connection (like when my laptop went into sleep mode). You can even enable the WiFi protection feature that automatically launches the VPN when detecting unsecured networks. I safely logged in to my QNB banking app using public WiFi.

The VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't collect or share your personal information. It's located in privacy-friendly Romania (outside 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances). Plus, I didn’t notice any pop-up ads on Gulf Times with the ad blocker enabled. Furthermore, the IPv6/DNS leak protection keeps your location and web history private.

Even newbies can quickly master CyberGhost. It took me only 5 minutes to download and install the app on my Galaxy Fold 3 smartphone. The apps support multiple languages, including Arabic (for Android, iOS, and Mac). It’s also easy to reach customer support anytime via email and 24/7 live chat with any query.

I was disappointed to see that monthly subscriptions are expensive and have a short refund period (only 14 days). However, you can opt for CyberGhost’s affordable long-term plan for just $2.19/month. The 36-month subscription offers the best value for money. In addition to that, it comes with an extended refund period.

A 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test CyberGhost’s Qatar servers for free. If you’re not happy with the service, you can easily cancel your subscription and get your money back. I requested a refund via email and received it in my PayPal wallet after 3 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — High-Speed Connections for Bufferless Streaming from Qatar

PIA’s speeds are impressive — I didn’t experience lag or buffering issues with this VPN. My average download speed was 45.5 Mbps while testing PIA’s Qatar servers. That’s great for streaming 4K content and online gaming. Additionally, the VPN offers unlimited bandwidth, P2P-optimized servers, and SOCKS 5 proxy for a speed boost during torrenting.

An extensive network makes bypassing local and international geoblocks a breeze. With servers in 84 countries, you can easily stream Stranger Things and other shows from your Netflix US account. I didn’t have any problems calling my friends on FaceTime and Telegram. Plus, you can connect to Qatari servers to access beIN Sports or Qatar Television from overseas.

The apps cover all major operating systems and are available in Arabic. I found them easy to use with pre-configured profiles for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Plus, they offer you a wealth of FAQs, tutorials, and 24/7 live chat if you encounter any difficulties.

You can choose between multiple encryption levels to tailor your VPN experience. I switched between AES 128-bit for a faster connection and AES 256-bit to maximize my privacy. There are also several security protocols — like WireGuard, L2TP, and OpenVPN (UPD and TCP). Just like CyberGhost, PIA offers a built-in ad blocker (MACE feature) to eliminate trackers and pop-ups on websites like Qatar Chronicle.

Some users might be worried that PIA is based in the US (within the 5 Eyes Alliance). However, your personal data is protected with a strict no-logs policy. The VPN also prevents data exposure with an automatic kill switch. Plus, I didn’t detect any IP or DNS data leaks on the Qatar and New York servers.

All subscriptions are fairly priced and have identical features, but PIA’s long-term plan has the best price (starting at $2.03/month). So, I’d go with the 2-year option to get the most for your money.

I made sure PIA’s 30-day refund policy is trustworthy. If you’re not impressed with the VPN, you can conveniently get your money back by opening a support ticket. My money was transferred back to my credit card just 4 days after canceling my subscription.

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4. IPVanish — Cover All Your Devices in Qatar with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

You can use IPVanish on Unlimited devices simultaneously in and outside Qatar. The apps are user-friendly for all operating systems I tried (even for Kodi and multiple routers). My connection was stable and secure while testing IPVanish on 9 devices at once (including my smartphones, iPad, and PC).

AES 256-bit encryption, tunneling protocols, and a kill switch protect your web data. The VPN also offers an OpenVPN Scramble (for Windows, Android, Fire Stick/TV, and macOS devices) to help you bypass deep packet inspections and advanced VPN blocks. In addition, IPVanish features perfect forward secrecy to protect your information from cybercriminals.

IPVanish manages its entire server network to prevent unauthorized access to your data. What’s more, your personal information is kept from the prying eyes, thanks to a proven zero-logs policy. My tests showed no signs of IPv6 or DNS data leaks on the nearby servers.

I got consistently high speeds (above 36 Mbps) on servers in UAE, Greece, and Israel. I had a voice chat on Zoom while streaming Better Call Saul in UHD without buffering. These speeds are also fast enough to watch Newshour on Al Jazeera from overseas. Torrenting is just as easy, thanks to unlimited bandwidth and P2P-optimized servers.

Sadly, I couldn’t unblock Amazon Prime Video. But I didn’t have problems accessing my accounts on other popular streaming platforms (including Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu). Servers in 75 countries allow you to access VoIP apps (like WhatsApp) as well. Plus, you can connect to the UAE servers to stream Al Jazeera and other Qatari services.

Since all subscriptions offer the same features (including 24/7 live chat support), I recommend IPVanish’s long-term plan at $2.49/month. I signed up for the annual option as it’s the most affordable one.

You can test IPVanish’s features for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund process turned out to be hassle-free. I logged in to my dashboard on the VPN’s website and clicked the “Cancel my subscription” button. In 5 days, my Visa card was fully refunded.

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5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Optimized Servers for Fast and Safe Torrenting in Qatar

PrivateVPN has network-wide P2P support for reliable file-sharing. It also doesn’t limit your bandwidth, allowing you to download as much as you want without interruptions. You can even boost your torrenting speed by setting up port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy. I downloaded 1GB in less than 5 minutes while testing PrivateVPN on my uTorrent client.

I averaged 29.5 Mbps on the servers in Cyprus. Such speeds are good for smooth UHD streaming and video conferencing. I didn’t experience slowdowns even on long-distance servers in the US and Canada.

The VPN comes with AES 256-bit encryption, advanced security protocols, and perfect forward secrecy. You can even disguise your VPN traffic with the Stealth VPN (obfuscation) mode. Moreover, your data is kept safe with an audited no-logs policy and an automatic kill switch. I also didn’t encounter IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks, meaning my location wasn’t exposed.

I was slightly disappointed to see that this VPN has a relatively small network. But the servers are distributed over 63 countries to help you unblock the content you need. For example, you can access your BBC iPlayer and Hulu accounts to watch shows like The Great. Additionally, the UAE servers helped me stream Qatari services (like Al Jazeera) from abroad.

Long-term PrivateVPN subscriptions are available at $2/month. The 3-year plan is the most budget-friendly. Plus, all subscriptions share the same features, including a remote installation for desktop apps.

Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is simple and fast. I just contacted the support team via online chat (available 22 hours a day). The process was effortless, and I received my money back on my PayPal in just 6 days.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Qatar

Each VPN on my list provides top-tier security, consistent speeds, and servers that effectively bypass geoblocks. Nevertheless, if you prefer to conduct your own assessments, you may employ the following criteria as a checklist:

• Strong security and privacy features — Make sure your VPN has top-grade encryption, secure tunneling protocols (like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard), a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy to safeguard your data online.
• Global network — VPNs with worldwide server networks let you access popular international services (social media, streaming platforms, and VoIP apps) from Qatar. Local servers can even help access Qatari content from abroad.
• Fast connection speeds — Look for a VPN with lightning-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for delay-free browsing, UHD streaming, and quick torrenting.
• Easy to use apps — Choose a VPN with user-friendly apps for your devices, multiple simultaneous connections, and responsive 24/7 customer support.
• Reliable money-back guarantee — A trustworthy refund policy lets you test VPNs and quickly get your money back if the service doesn’t meet your standards.

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FAQs on Using a VPN for Qatar

Why should I use a VPN for Qatar?

VPNs improve your online safety and privacy. Only the best VPNs for Qatar with advanced encryption and strict no-logs policies prevent third parties from collecting your personal information. They even allow you to safely use unsecured public WiFi hotspots.

Most VoIP apps (including Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp) are inaccessible in Qatar. However, VPNs with global networks allow you to access Qatari and international services anywhere. This means you can watch shows on Netflix US, chat with your family on FaceTime, or safely torrent in Qatar.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Qatar?

Downloading and using a VPN in most countries (including Qatar) is legal (as long as it's for legitimate purposes). So, you don’t get into trouble if you try VPNs with trustworthy money-back guarantees and robust security features that enhance your privacy.

However, it’s worth noting that some countries (like China and Russia) block or restrict the use of VPNs. Plus, accessing banned content is against the law in Qatar. It’s always a good idea to check local laws beforehand as they can change.

Can I use a free VPN for Qatar?

You can, but free VPNs aren't the best option for Qatar. It’s much better to try a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee if you don’t want to put your privacy at risk. Most free VPNs lack up-to-date security protocols and strict zero-logs policies. Besides, many of them sell your data for profit or even contain malicious software and viruses. So, you can’t safely communicate, browse, or torrent.

What’s more, free VPNs usually have limited networks, throttled speeds, and data caps. This means you can’t access geoblocked services or stream in UHD comfortably unless you upgrade your plan.

How do you access Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime in Qatar?

VPNs with global networks can help you access VoIP services in Qatar (including Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp). Just launch a VPN and connect to a server outside of Qatar. This assigns you a new IP address and encrypts your connection, allowing you to use messaging apps safely.

Some VoIP services are available in Qatar but with limited functionality (they often lack voice or video call features). That’s why you can connect to servers in North America or Europe to use apps like WhatsApp without restrictions.

How do I watch Al Jazeera and BeIN Sports when abroad?

Using a VPN with servers in Qatar and nearby countries helps you access local services from anywhere. You can try a reliable VPN to access streaming services, like BeIN Sports, Al Jazeera, and other Qatari sites.

Why is my VPN not working in Qatar?

Some ISPs in Qatar can block your VPN (especially if you’re using a free service). It’s recommended that you download and install a reliable VPN before arriving in Qatar to avoid this issue.

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The Bottom Line

A reliable VPN lets you communicate, stream, and torrent safely. All VPNs on my list provide advanced security features and trustworthy no-logs policies to keep your online privacy intact in Qatar. They also offer fast worldwide servers to access Qatari and international services without interruptions.

My top pick for Qatar is ExpressVPN. It comes with military-grade encryption and best-in-class privacy features. The VPN also offers a fast server network across the globe to watch your favorite content from anywhere buffer-free. Moreover, you can try ExpressVPN for Qatar without risk (as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee).

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Qatar