Almost the entire population of Qatar (92%) is connected to the internet. So why is there a need of a VPN in Qatar?
The thing is, Qatar’s internet is being monitored by the government and has banned several sites including some apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and others.
One cannot discuss politics on social media websites or there would be consequences. To unblock any app or avoid anyone from snooping over your online activity, you require a VPN.
In this guide, I have discussed some of the best VPNs for Qatar in 2021 that I would recommend to the locals or tourists that are visiting Qatar.
Before we begin, let’s have an overview of these VPNs that I recommend using in Qatar…
- ExpressVPN – Overall best VPN with strong privacy feature for streaming.
- Surfshark – Fastest service with unlimited device connections
- NordVPN – Wide range of features and unblocks Netflix in Qatar.
- PureVPN – Budget VPN service to use in Qatar for unblocking with 6 servers in Qatar
- CyberGhost – One-click solution with the easy-to-use app (24 servers in Qatar)
- PIA – Powerful security and compatible with torrenting (11 servers in Qatar)
6 Best VPN Services for Qatar in 2021
Best VPNs for Qatar is based on the following criteria:
- Server network
- Fast speeds
- Zero-logging policy
- Netflix compatibility
- Value for money
4. ExpressVPN – Best Qatar VPN for Streaming
ExpressVPN is overall a good VPN service for many reasons. The provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction that allows it to operate freely and far away from the domain of Five Eyes intelligence-sharing countries.
The network of ExpressVPN consists of 3,000 servers in 94 countries. However, there are no Qatar servers in this network, though you can utilize the Egypt server which is the nearest.
The VPN works exceptionally well for purposes like streaming and torrenting. Fans of Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. in Qatar can easily unblock these services and gain access to their complete content libraries by switching to the relevant server locations.
Other than that, ExpressVPN also adds nifty features such as split-tunnelling and Network Lock (kill switch). These will keep your information from leaking to the web and exposure in Qatari cyberspace.
Finally, the provider has an excellent logging policy that keeps no records of your private-sensitive information. However, it is one of the more expensive providers costing $6.67/mo .
For more information, see this ExpressVPN review.
2. Surfshark – Fastest VPN for Qatar
Surfshark is the fastest VPN service yet the most affordable VPN with great security privacy features for users in Qatar. It is available for only $2.49/mo .
Another important feature is its unlimited device connection. This is rarely the feature offered by any VPN provider in the market.
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers and availability in 65 countries. Surfshark doesn’t have servers in Qatar, but in fact it does have availability in the UAE. If you ever want to stream Qatar TV, Sports, or News, you can connect to UAE server.
It has a strong encryption too having 256-bit encryption. You can surf the web anonymously with no trackers, ads, or malware. That makes it a completely safe VPN Qatar. Surfshark is based in British Virgin Island, so it wouldn’t store your data anyway.
Please refer to our guide Surfshark review for more information.
3. NordVPN – Top VPN for Qatar
NordVPN is a powerful VPN service based in Panama. The service has a huge network of 5,500+ servers in 59 countries. Although it has no servers within Qatar, you can utilize the UAE servers which are nearest to your region.
The core strength of NordVPN is its unblocking ability for streaming websites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. From Qatar, you can access the entire content library of these streaming services with NordVPN.
In addition, you get strong privacy protection with features like AES-256 encryption, DoubleVPN, CyberSec, Onion over VPN, and kill switch. Enjoying complete privacy with these servers is a breeze in the Qatari landscape.
Furthermore, NordVPN adheres to a zero-logging policy, so you can rest assured that none of your important information will be stored by the provider. For only $3.71/mo , you can get 2-year subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also avail of the NordVPN free trial for 7 days to test the service on iOS or Android devices.
Please read more about the NordVPN service in our detailed review.
4. PureVPN – Budget VPN for Qatar
PureVPN is a popular VPN service that offers 6,500+ servers in over 140 countries. PureVPN happens to unblock pretty much any website in the world. Also, it has 6 virtual servers in Qatar to access the local content from anywhere in the world.
It is available at a good price of $3.33/mo which is quite affordable for people living in Qatar and has a full 31-day money-back guarantee.
It has a comprehensive list of features such as kill switch, split tunneling, ad-blocker, 256-bit encryption and much more making it the best VPN for Qatar.
PureVPN also easily unblocks streaming websites such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. It offers Kodi VPN addon, and it is one of the best VPN for Firestick. Check our best VPN prices guide and this detailed review of PureVPN for further details.
5. CyberGhost – Secure VPN for Qatar
CyberGhost is a one-click solution for all your privacy needs. Rightly so, it has a user-friendly app that happens to work great for rookie VPN users.
With 6,600+ servers and a presence in over 89 countries, it unblocks all websites from anywhere. Just connect to any of its servers and regain your internet freedom. CyberGhost has 24 servers in Qatar, meaning if you want to watch Qatari TV, News, or even Sports online, you can watch it without any geo-restriction barrier.
The price for this VPN seems affordable as well. At $2.25/mo and a 45-days money-back guarantee, it is worth giving this service a try.
It is based in Romania that does not have data retention laws. Anyways, it doesn’t keep logs as well. With a single CyberGhost subscription you get to use it on 7 different devices at the same time.
Please read more about this service in our CyberGhost review.
6. Private Internet Access – Good Affordable Option for Qatar
PIA is based in the United States, a country with no data retention laws. It offers good overall security and powerful features like kill switch, split tunneling, and dedicated IP.
It offers 11 virtual servers in Qatar and has a total network of 23,000+ servers in 77+ countries. PIA price is also quite affordable available at $2.69/mo with 30-days money-back guarantee. With
The servers in Qatar will help you access local Qatar content with ease and bypass any geo-restrictions that may exist on the websites you want to visit. Other than that, PIA also offers powerful security features and has the capability to unblock certain streaming websites including Netflix US.
PIA doesn’t keep any logs so all your web browsing history remains hidden. Have a look at the PIA review for more information.
Why do you need a VPN for Qatar?
Qatar is a suppressive state where freedom of speech still remains threatened. According to Freedom House, Qatar has the status of “Not Free” due to restrictions on the press and media outlets.
In 2016, the ISPs of the country were ordered to ban Doha News on grounds of publishing “prohibited content”. Measures like these show the totalitarian stance of the Qatari government and an environment that breeds self-censorship among bloggers, journalists, and activists.
Therefore, if freedom of speech is something you value, you definitely need a VPN to protect your freedoms and protect your privacy in Qatar.
How to Unblock Netflix Catalogs in Qatar
Netflix is available in most countries of the world including Qatar. However, if you access Netflix from Qatar, you can only see the local content library. Since a lot of the content on Netflix is exclusive to different regions, you will be deprived of some titles because of your Qatari location.
It is possible to get all Netflix libraries in Qatar, but you need a powerful VPN for that. To access foreign Netflix libraries in Qatar, follow the steps below:
- Get a subscription to a Netflix-compatible VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your system/device.
- Launch the VPN and enter your login credentials.
- Choose a server location where the content you want to see is available (such as the US).
- Now visit the Netflix app or website and unblock Netflix content of your choice.
Watching BeIN Sports and Al Jazeera Abroad
Al Jazeera and BeIN Sports are Qatar-owned channels that broadcast and stream their programs in many parts of the world. Some regions, however, might block online access to these channels.
If you’re traveling abroad from Qatar and need access to these channels like you’re used to backing home, you will need a VPN service with servers in Qatar.
For instance, PureVPN is one of the few providers having servers based in Qatar. Therefore, with this VPN, you can easily change your IP address to that of Qatar and gain access to restricted services abroad.
Best Free VPNs to Use in Qatar
Most free VPN services are dangerous to use. Some free services that used to be popular back in the day were found to be selling your information or bandwidth to third-parties.
Nonetheless, there are still a few legitimate VPNs available for no cost. These are:
Which Services are blocked in Qatar?
The official authorities have blocked a list of informative and social media services to curb the online freedom right of their citizens. This is the reason ex-pats those who are living in the country unable to entertain themselves. These are the same restrictions that are faced by the majority of the population living in the United Arab Emirates. Here is the list of blocked services that include:
- Tumblr
- Skype
- Viber
- Google Duo and others
How do I Access WhatsApp, Skype, & FaceTime in Qatar
If you’re a resident in Qatar or is touring Qatar for vacations, you will need to follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to any VPN Qatar from the list provided (I highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Enter Username and Password
- Open the VPN app
- Connect to a US server (If you’re outside Qatar)
- Start browsing the internet or use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Viber, etc
FAQs
Which free VPN works in Qatar?
The only 3 free VPNs that are recommended to use in Qatar are Windscribe, TunnelBear, and ProtonVPN. These VPNs are completely free and do not log users’ data.
Is VPN legal in Qatar?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to use a VPN in the Middle East and so in Qatar as well. A VPN is used only for carrying out legal activities. For any illegal activity, it is forbidden.
Which VPN is working in Qatar?
Qatar is a safe haven for VPN users as many VPN service providers have servers physically located in the region. The VPNs that are working in Qatar are ExpressVPN, PureVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PIA.
Does ExpressVPN work in Qatar?
ExpressVPN does not have servers located in Qatar. If you are based outside of Qatar, you will not be able to access its local content. For that, you will need a VPN that has servers in Qatar.
Does WhatsApp work in Qatar?
Yes, WhatsApp is working in Qatar as the ban on the popular messaging app has now been lifted by the government.
Can I watch DirecTV in Qatar with a VPN?
Yes, you can watch DirecTV in Qatar with a VPN having US servers.
What websites are banned in Qatar?
Qatar bans dating, pornographic, LGBTQ, and websites that are critical of the government.
VPNs Guides for Other Countries
Online restrictions and censorship are prevalent in many parts of the world. Here are a few articles to deal with privacy/censorship issues specific to certain countries:
Wrapping Up
Qatar government has done a lot to increase internet penetration, but despite the fact it lacks internet freedom.
Many popular websites are still blocked by the government. The press remains particularly suppressed, unable to criticize the government on social media and other platforms. For these reasons the use of a best VPN for Qatar, such as ExpressVPN, has become extremely important in 2021.
You can also avail of VPN discounts by availing of the VPN for life subscriptions.
Purevpn don’t work in Qatar
Hey Ranesh,
We have tested the VPN in Qatar and it is working. We also confirmed from PureVPN’s customer rep who pointed out that it works in Qatar. We contacted their support team and this is what they had to say: Image