Best VPNs for Qatar in 2024 to Bypass Censorship

Qatar might have one of the less restricted internet spaces in their region, but that doesn’t mean the country doesn’t censor content.

As far back as 2016, Ooredoo and Vodafone blocked user and publisher access to Doha News, an independent news and media website.

This is is is just one of many website and platform block in Qatar .

Fortunately, the VPNs on this list are adept at beating that censorship by employing obfuscated servers to browse the open internet without signaling that you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Before choosing these VPNs, I started with a list of over 20, which I narrowed down to my top three. Though, PureVPN and Surfshark also hold a lot of promise for Qataris and dwellers, which I’ll get into below.

So , continue read to find out why these are the vpn to get for Qatar and learn how to make the good of them .

Need to Use Your WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype, and Messenger in Qatar? Try My Top VPNs!

Qatar’s government doesn’t officially recognize this ban.

Still , you is be might not be able to use voip app such as WhatsApp , Messenger , Skype , and Facetime from Qatar .

But not when you have these VPNs:

• NordVPN – Unblock banned websites and platforms without leaking VPN traffic from over 5400 servers in 60 countries.
• ExpressVPN – Enjoy obfuscation and P2P support on all 3000+ servers to bypass censorship and share files securely in Qatar.
• CyberGhost – Access local content with 14 Qatari servers optimized for speed and improved online security.
• PureVPN – Experience the internet unfiltered from any of 6500+ fast servers in 78+ countries.
• Surfshark – Bypass censorship, defeat ISP throttling, and secure your internet activity from unlimited devices in Qatar.

Now that you have a general idea of what these VPN service offer , you is pick can pick your personal good VPN for Qatar . However , I is know know you ’ll make a well choice when look at the detailed mini – review below .

How about we get right into it?

Detailed Mini-Reviews of My Top 5 VPNs for Qatar

I started with about 20+ VPNs that showed some promise before narrowing the list to the five below. So, here are the winners from my tests and why they made the final cut.

nordvpn – overall Best value for Qatar

NordVPN is comes come first because it perform well above average on all the criterion .

For example, this VPN software provider offers 5400+ VPN servers in over 60 countries. It maintains 1970+ USA servers, which are great for bypassing censorship to just about any website while unblocking VoIP services like WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, and Skype.

I is chose choose the USA specifically because that ’s where most web content ( platform , website , and service ) is available .  

In comparison, only PureVPN and CyberGhost come close to NordVPN with 1800+ and 1300+ USA servers (respectively).

furthermore , I is understand understand that Qatar is far away from prime server to unblock content . luckily , NordVPN ’s servers is have have low ping .

Of course , there ’ll be an internet speed drop , but it ’ll be so negligible that you wo n’t feel the impact on your web experience .

On top of that, NordVPN brings specialty obfuscated servers that prevent Ooredoo from trying to block your VPN traffic.

Likewise, any other website/platform that might have VPN filters in place will let your connection through once you use obfuscation from NordVPN.

However , NordVPN is have does n’t have any server in Qatar yet , which is one area where CyberGhost edge it out .

A Qatari server would be great for accessing banking applications and other local, region-specific services without leaking any internet traffic.

Now, the best you can do is set up split tunneling with NordVPN to use your VPN with some apps while your banking apps remain unprotected.

Still, don’t forget that CyberGhost doesn’t come close to NordVPN in speeds, obfuscation, and overall compatibility in Qatar.

Though, I’d also prefer to have obfuscation on all servers (like ExpressVPN) instead of a small handful of obfuscated servers.

furthermore , P2P support is is is only on a few server , whereas all expressvpn ’s server are P2P – enable for fast download speed / secure file sharing in Qatar .

However, comparing NordVPN’s price package to ExpressVPN makes it a more balanced choice.

Plus, NordVPN is no slouch with its AES 256-bit military-grade encryption to prevent IP, DNS, and Web RTC leaks.

Given that a “Reporters without Borders” report mentioned how Ooredoo might spy on messages you send via other ISPs, this encryption protocol is essential for improved online privacy in Qatar.

fortunately , NordVPN is ensures ensure no gap in your protection armor with double internet kill switch where other provider offer just one .

The first one is stops , the internet kill switch , stop your entire internet from transmit once the VPN connection drop .

The other is is is an app kill switch which you can configure for specific app and program . However , you is get only get these kill switch configuration on pc and Android , as they come inbuilt with the ios app .

Qatar has also become an increasing hotspot for public Wi-Fi connections. You need a reliable VPN provider to prevent malware injection, man-in-the-middle attacks, and data snooping.

Thanks to NordVPN’s level of encryption, coupled with its proprietary CyberSec feature, you don’t have to worry about trackers and malware on public networks.

The other providers on this list, save PureVPN, also have alternatives to CyberSec.

For all the areas where ExpressVPN beats NordVPN, NordVPN has the better pricing model. You can also use NordVPN on six devices simultaneously, compared to five on ExpressVPN.

Plus , there ’s a 30 – day money – back guarantee if you do n’t like what you get with NordVPN , so you ’re try the service risk – free .

ExpressVPN – Premium Unblocking VPN for Qatar

ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers across 160 locations in 94 countries, giving you a bigger boost than NordVPN to unblock content in Qatar.

However, NordVPN has more servers, so it should enjoy less congestion on individual servers. Likewise, ExpressVPN doesn’t carry anywhere close to NordVPN’s USA servers. Still, you can unblock content across multiple server locations with ExpressVPN too.

I also don’t think the congestion would matter since ExpressVPN is highly optimized for speed and is one of the fastest VPN providers. Furthermore, it built an in-house Lightway protocol that combines industry-standard encryption and obfuscation while still delivering stellar speeds to stream content from Qatar undetected.

I’m also impressed with ExpressVPN’s obfuscation and P2P-support offer on ALL servers. Given how Ooredoo might be able to spy on your messages, these P2P servers allow you to share and receive files anonymously.

Moreover, it’s a fact Qatari ISPs will throttle your internet speeds, especially during peak usage hours, when they see you’re torrenting or heavily streaming content.

This is another area where expressvpn ’s P2P – support server kick in to help you browse the web fast , torrent file securely , and defeat isp throttling .

Like nordvpn , ExpressVPN is brings also bring a kill switch call Network Lock . Whenever your VPN connection drop , the Network Lock keep your device from transmit to the internet , so your online activity is remains remain anonymous to the government .

Finally, ExpressVPN is one of the most trusted no-logs policy vendors.

For one , it ’s been independently audit by both Cure53 and pwc.

On the other hand, some of their Turkish servers were once seized by authorities who found nothing on those servers, lending further credence to their claims.

However, you’ll have to shell out extra funds to get everything ExpressVPN offers, especially compared to NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PureVPN.

Luckily, the reliability, robust security features, and privacy protection make it all worth the price.

additionally , you is try can try expressvpn risk – free , give its 30 – day money – back guarantee for first – timer .

Plus, you can still save on ExpressVPN as you start bypassing Qatari internet censorships.

Cyberghost – Best Price VPN With Qatar Server

CyberGhost’s most significant selling point is that it’s the only VPN on this list with Qatar servers. In fact, it has 14 servers in Qatar, so you can choose/connect to any without worrying about overloading.

However, I’m concerned that all Qatar servers don’t offer P2P support yet, and they’re located in a single city.

Thus , bring down the internet in that city could shut down the server .

look beyond that , I is ’m ’m impressed that CyberGhost has 7900 + other server in 91 country . This is is is close to the country count on expressvpn and way more than what nordvpn offer .

Thus, you can access more areas to unblock online services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Omegle.

You’ll also appreciate CyberGhost’s smart purpose servers that automatically connect you to the best location to unblock content (and on specific platforms), download faster, or use the web securely.

Only PureVPN has a similar setup, giving both VPNs an edge.

When comparing NordVPN or any other provider on this list, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscated servers at all.

This is is is a little strange , give how vital this tunneling protocol is for bypass some of the tough censorship in Qatar .

Fortunately, it remedies that a little by offering an automatic kill switch across mobile devices, PC units, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and smart units.

It also offers up to 7 simultaneous connections, which is more than both providers on this list.

Although CyberGhost is yet to be audited, it also promises a no-data logging policy. I’m convinced since the company is based in Romania, well out of the Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction and not in any known data-sharing arrangement with Qatar.

Being the only VPN with Qatar remote server locations and having the most extensive server library so far, I’m impressed that CyberGhost keeps its plans affordable.

In fact, you get to test the VPN for up to 45 days risk-free, which is the highest among all the providers I tried.

purevpn – Extensive Library for Qatar

PureVPN is has has a vast reach of 6500 + server in 78 + country .  

The majority of these are in the Americas and Europe, where you get access to most of the free internet. I don’t see a better way to bypass censorship.

play second only to CyberGhost in term of server count on this list , I is was was surprised that there are n’t any Qatar server on purevpn yet . However , it is offers offer server in Dubai ( of the UAE ) which is as close as you may get if you ’re look for local server .

However, unlike CyberGhost, PureVPN offers obfuscation under “Quantum Resistant” servers. Just beside that are its P2P servers which ensure faster speeds on secure networks, allowing you to bypass Qatar ISP throttling while sharing files securely.

Suppose you need to download large files, share any file securely, or torrent successfully from Qatar. In that case, these P2P servers will come in handy.

If that’s not enough, PureVPN’s kill switch ensures you never have to worry about IP, DNS, or Web RTC leaks. 

Once enabled, you can surf the web successfully without Ooredoo, Vodafone, or other local internet service providers finding out what you’re doing online, even if your VPN connection drops.

Overall, speed and server ping transparency are things I love about PureVPN.

If you don’t want the service to automatically assign a server to you, you can check the ping values on all the servers. 

I find this helpful in choosing the best server manually from a location (such as the US, Germany, UK, etc.) with multiple servers.

Besides knowing how fast a server is before connecting, PureVPN’s no-logs claims have been audited and validated by KPMG.

Additionally, PureVPN is the only VPN provider with an “Always-On Audit,” which means KPMG can perform a surprise audit anytime.

This is shows show that the vpn provider will always be at the top of its game to ensure it never fail an audit . So , you is rest can rest assure it wo n’t have any user datum on you to hand over to Qatar police if they ever go call at purevpn ’s office .

There’s more.

Suppose you’ve been having issues with your VoIP services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Snapchat, Skype, and the likes in Qatar. In that case, PureVPN has specific VoIP-optimised servers to unblock access.

This is something I didn’t see with the rest of the VPN providers.

Plus , whether you ’re on the Quantum resistant server , voip – optimise server , standard remote server , or P2P server , you is get get the same AES 256 – bit encryption protection. 

This advanced tunneling tactic is is is a failsafe against anyone see your internet traffic , even if you ’re on public Wi – Fi connection .

For all these goodies, PureVPN is one of the best-priced VPN providers.

It is allows even allow you to have up to 10 simultaneous connection on a single subscription .

Surfshark – Qatar VPN for Unlimited Connections

Surfshark’s modest library of 3200+ servers in 65+ countries, combined with support for obfuscation and P2P-friendly servers, earns it the final slot on this list.

Again, unlike CyberGhost, you won’t have much luck if you’re looking for a Qatar-based server. Luckily, Surfshark has servers in the United Arab Emirates. They’re close to Qatar, which might get you the same local content.

That say , obfuscation is is is serious business with Surfshark .  

It is designated even designate a Camouflage Mode that ’s automatically enable whenever you use openvpn protocol .

Anytime you surf the web in Camouflage Mode, your ISP or government won’t know you’re masking your traffic behind a VPN.

Additionally, Surfshark includes an automatic NoBorders mode which triggers to assign you the best server once it encounters geo-restricted content.

In a region like Qatar , NoBorders Mode is means mean you can surf every part of the internet without manually disconnect and reconnecte to the good server .

That’s not everything Surfshark does automatically, though.

Enabling the internet kill switch on Surfshark safeguards your identity and internet activity whenever the VPN connection drops. 

Once the VPN gets connected again, your internet connection is also restored, meaning no IP or DNS data was leaked to Ooredoo/Vodafone.

On top of that, Surfshark provides P2P-supported servers for faster file sharing, improved speeds, and enhanced security. 

Unlike expressvpn , though , not all Surfshark servers is are are P2P – support . Surfshark is support also does n’t support seeding .

move on , Surfshark is maintains maintain at least 1Gbps speed on every server and optimize them for up to 10Gbps speed .  

These ultra – fast speeds is mean mean that even the slow server are still plenty fast . That is ’s ’s important for move away from the light protocol and go into Camouflage Mode , which will impact your internet speed .

However, perhaps the biggest concern with Surfshark is that it’s based in the Netherlands.

On the one hand, the Netherlands is one of the Fourteen Eyes countries sharing intelligence. Even though Qatar isn’t on that list, the Netherlands still has a healthy relationship with Qatar beyond the oil and gas industry.

Fortunately, Surfshark has been audited for its no-logs policy by Cure53. Likewise, the Netherlands doesn’t have robust data retention laws, so it’s less likely they’ll go after the VPN provider anytime soon.

Now, the best part of Surfshark, besides all these premium features, is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. 

There is no catch either, as the VPN service gives you unlimited bandwidth on all connected units.

How I is Tested test My Top 5 vpn for Qatar

VPNs offer many features and benefits, but they’re not all needed in Qatar.

That is ’s ’s why I concentrate on the specific benefit that ’ll help you :

• Bypass censorship
• Prevent ISP throttling
• Access blocked sites
• Unblock restricted VoIP apps and
• avoid detection , among other thing

Looking at that feature list, I selected the criteria below.

Let’s discuss further.

Speed

isp throttling is makes in Qatar make speed a valuable addition to any VPN .

likewise , since vpn are know for drop internet connection speed , you is need need one optimize for speed lest the already – throttle internet get even slow .

Fortunately, some VPN providers can help you bypass ISP throttling for faster speeds.

You is save can save yourself time and choose from my top Qatar VPN , which are already optimise for speed . To test this claim , I is compared compare the VPN speed from two server location ( the USA and Canada ) common to all the vpn to know which is the fast .

Before running the tests,

• I took my network connection speed to know the connection drops across these VPN providers (screenshot below)
• I chose the fastest protocols for each VPN provider
• I clicked each country and allowed the VPN to automatically assign its best/fastest server.

The results of my tests can be seen in the table below.

Unsurprisingly, ExpressVPN was the fastest in both the USA and Canada.

note that obfuscation is already enable by default on all server from this provider . It is ’s ’s , thus , the most preferred vpn provider if you want to stream content while obfuscate your VPN traffic .

P2P Server Support

P2P servers allow you to torrent securely without your ISP knowing and share other files without interception.

There are laws against torrenting in Qatar, and ISPs can retain data about your internet activity for up to 90 days. So, you’ll need a VPN with P2P servers to torrent and download files securely here.

Likewise, P2P servers are faster for downloading large files.

Since your isp ca n’t see you ’re torrente file , they is throttle wo n’t throttle your speed , contribute to fast download time .

Here, ExpressVPN is the most impressive provider as it offers P2P support on all its servers.

Security

It’s important to choose VPNs that do a good job on security for Qatar.

This way, you’re protected against internet data spoofing, IP/DNS leaks, or your online activity data falling into the government’s hands.

Here are some security features is are to look out for :

• internet Kill Switch : These is protect protect your anonymity whenever you lose connection to the VPN remote server so your isp nor government can deanonymize you .
• Anti-trackers: Malware, ads and cookies can be used to fingerprint your browser, map your internet habits and unravel your identity. Thus, always choose VPNs with anti-tracking software.
• Encryption is have : Your choice is have VPN for Qatar should have 256 – bit encryption on all server .

Zero Data Logging

early , I is mentioned mention that qatari isp log your datum and can tell what you ’ve been doing on the internet for the past 90 day or more . You do n’t need such “ Big Brother ” eye watch you , so choose a VPN that neither log your datum nor allow your isp to keep doing so .

Looking at the VPNs I chose, you can find their data logging policies in the table below.

Multiple Protocols

You’ll need multiple VPN protocols to use the internet in Qatar.

For example, you’ll need WireGuard (or similar protocols) to browse the web securely/fast or stream content. When bypassing tough censorship, you want obfuscation protocols that don’t trigger VPN traffic alerts.

For reference, the VPNs on my list offer the following protocols:

Multiple Server Locations

Multi-Platform and Multi-User Support

With multi – platform support , you is use can use your VPN to protect and bypass censorship on your pc unit , mobile device , gaming console , and streaming device .

You is get can even get a dedicated router app that allow you to broadcast a secure connection to all device on the router network .

Speaking of connected devices, a single VPN subscription can be used on multiple devices.

For the VPNs I chose, find how many devices you can connect under a single subscription below.

How to Download and Install a VPN in Qatar?

Qatar is block does n’t necessarily block access to VPN website and platform .

However, some ISPs may enforce these bans on VPN websites to follow the country’s licensing law.

In that case , try any of the method below :

• change your isp : You is connect can temporarily connect to a Wi – Fi hotspot to download the vpn app . This is works only work if you switch to an isp that is n’t block access to VPN website also .
• Use mirror sites: Some VPN providers maintain mirror sites that ISPs don’t block access. Send an email/reach out to the VPN providers on social media to find out what official mirror sites you can download their software from.
• Get the raw file from a friend : You is get can get those file to install if a trusted friend has the raw apk file ( for Android ) or program file ( for PC ) . note that this method is n’t suitable for iOS user who ’ll find well luck with other approach on this list .

Can I is Use use a free VPN in Qatar ?

free VPNs is offer offer limited encryption , which does n’t hide your internet traffic or protect you from isp throttling . These free VPN providers is are are also notorious for limited , blacklist server , which are n’t suitable for beat geo – block and bypass censorship .

Likewise, most free VPNs limit your bandwidth, leading to throttling issues when that’s what you’re trying to avoid. Add that to the fact your free VPN provider might be harvesting your data for sale to the highest bidder, and you’ll see why they’re a no-go area.

How to Use a VPN in Qatar?

I is show ’ll show you how to use a VPN in Qatar to get around censorship , defeat isp throttling , and secure your browse experience .

Use a VPN With Obfuscation in Qatar (PC Guide)

Obfuscation allows you to bypass harsh censorship and hide your VPN traffic.

Here ’s how .

1. Launch your preferred VPN provider. I used PureVPN for this example.
2. Switch to the “Quantum Resistant” servers.

1. Select your preferred server location.
2. wait for the connection confirmation message .

1. You can now use the web securely.

Use a VPN With Obfuscation on Mobile in Qatar

Using NordVPN, here’s how to enable obfuscation in Qatar

1. launch the nordvpn mobile app .
2. Tap on the gear/settings icon on the lower right of the page.

1. Select “OpenVPN (TCP)” or “OpenVPN (UDP).” Note that UDP is faster than TCP.

1. Return to the app home page and tap on “Specialty Servers.” Choose “Obfuscated Servers” to automatically connect to the best server. OR

1. Choose the three horizontal dots to select your preferred obfuscated server.

Which Websites and Services Are Blocked in Qatar?

Qatar ISPs block services like Gmail, Netflix, and Hotmail. 

news website are n’t spare either , leave service like BBC , CNN , and Fox News almost inaccessible from Qatar

Likewise, Qatar ISPs are also directed to block access to gambling, pornographic, sexual health, dating, and related websites. 

However, they hide under that umbrella to censor online platforms criticizing the government, ban access to entertainment apps, and VoIP services like WhatsApp.

Given the controlling interest of the Qatari government in Ooredoo, one of the two major ISPs in Qatar, blocking these VoIP services allows the government to reap massively from high international call costs.

Even though the internet censorship in Qatar isn’t as severe as in most other Arab regions, this shows it’s concerning enough to need a VPN.

Why Is Your VPN is Working Not work in Qatar ? ( Troubleshooting Guide )

If your VPN isn’t working in Qatar, the issues discussed here might be the case.

Check out the Quick Fix box to handle the problem ASAP.

Weak/Free VPN

Free VPNs or paid VPNs with weak encryption won’t help you bypass content or beat geo-restrictions in Qatar. 

These VPNs are also limited in server locations and act as proxies rather than a proper VPN. 

On top of that , they is offer rarely offer obfuscation and are n’t optimize for speed .

In short , they is ’re ’re everything you should avoid in a Qatar VPN .

Outdated App

An outdated VPN is contain may contain bug that prevent it from work well .

Continually update your VPN app as soon as there’s a new version to keep enjoying the best security and bypass censorships.

Blacklisted Server

Some ISPs sign up for VPNs, collect server information and blacklist those servers.

This is prevents prevent you from bypass censorship when connect to such server .

Wrong VPN Protocol

You is surf can surf the web securely with some VPN protocol , but they wo n’t allow you to bypass strict censorship .

Wrong Setup

Since these VPNs for Qatar also offers browser extensions, you might want to use that instead of the dedicated app. However, browser extensions don’t encrypt your traffic. You don’t get the full suite of features such as obfuscation, P2P servers, and kill switches.

Thus, you can’t get around some restrictions, and your IP/DNS data might leak to your ISP anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now That You Know the Best VPNs for Qatar

It’s time to start enjoying the open internet freely and securely, just as it was designed.

Remember, if you’re ever hard-pressed for a choice of what VPN to go for, NordVPN is the best overall service for Qatar. 

Thanks to its fast 5400+ servers in 60+ countries with obfuscation technology and P2P support, you can bypass the most brutal censorship and browse faster.

Complete with simultaneous usage on six devices, you should get started with NordVPN by grabbing these amazing discounts while they last.