Best free VPN for video calling in UAE
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Duo, and every other similar app are blocked in the United Arab Emirates due to their hard and strict internet regulatory rules. So, in simple words, you cannot make or receive video calls within the country, whether you are someone living in there or even just visiting the UAE for a short trip. In the real picture, local government-owned telecom providers like Etisalat have actively blocked all these services. This can be very much frustrating as if you won’t be able to keep in touch with family, friends, or even your co-workers while your stay in the region. In this problematic situation, comes the context of VPN i.e., Virtual Private Network. A VPN can efficiently access those VoIP services for you while your stay in the UAE.
By definition, a VPN creates a restricted self-contained network for the user while accessing the internet. Not only for unblocking any desired service but also with the present fast-paced digitalization of everyday life, arrives the strong requirement of better security as well as enhanced privacy that ultimately enable us to efficiently dwell in the complex network of all the software or apps that we use daily surpassing any undesirable hindrance. VPN works in favor of all of this.
Why VPN is needed for video calling in the UAE?
UAE generally shows access to a highly restricted Internet. The government over there regularly censors a wide range of VoIP services and websites. The government is distrustful of the concept of encryption and provides its own ‘messaging platform alternatives’ for the individuals within the country. However, all of these alternatives cannot be trusted completely as they cannot guarantee your privacy and security while using them.
So, the only feasible and convenient way to bypass this restriction is to use an apt VPN that will be able to solve this problem. A VPN permits the user to connect to another server and hides the particular user’s IP address creating anonymity via an encrypted data tunnel so that the information regarding their online activity stays private. Then what happens is that all the internet browsing and related actions from your device are relayed via this particular secure tunnel.
Thus, the use of a VPN provides a service that might let in bypassing censorship to access the blocked usage of your intended video calling feature in your favorite VoIP app. And if this magic solution named VPN comes with the option of free versions or free trial periods, then more reason is there to get excited for your video calls to get back to work.
How to use a VPN for video calling in UAE?
To successfully make a video call using your preferred VoIP service in the UAE, the following steps are needed to be followed.
- First, choose a suitable VPN service as per your convenience from the list given below, and then subscribe, opening an account
- Then download the corresponding VPN app on your Smartphone, and install it there afterward
- Next, sign in to your respective VPN account that you have subscribed to using the login credentials provided to you while subscribing
- Now connect to a VPN server in a suitable location that allows the use of VoIP services, thus providing you access to the video calling feature. In this context, one thing you need to keep in mind is that the closer your chosen server is to your actual location i.e., the certain place you are residing in the UAE, the lower your latency period would be, thus setting up a faster connection
- Finally, you can come out of the VPN app and open your video calling app to make that video call successfully which you are making all these efforts for
List of best free VPNs for video calling in UAE
Following is the carefully handpicked list of all the reputable and trustworthy VPNs that can be used in the UAE for video calling.
1. Proton VPN
The first member on the list of best free VPNs for video calling in UAE is ProtonVPN, which is, at the core, a security-focused VPN service. It is thus a very appropriate provider for those who are looking for a strong security aptitude at the foremost level, and if that comes with some excellent performance then that’s a bonus. That this lesser-known yet efficient VPN service comes in both paid and free versions, this fact acts like a feather in the crown of this star contender in the VPN market of the UAE. On top of that, the free version has been rendered even to be one of the best in the industry.
The free version of Proton VPN offers free servers in 3 locations arethe USA, Japan, and the Netherlands all of which do not show any kind of restriction over VoIP services whereas the paid version provides a plethora of servers in more than 60 countries. As with this particular VPN service provider, the matter of security comes at a very serious level, so the potential user is guaranteed to get a connection to a server with which they can do video calling from their favorite VoIP app, being encrypted with an assured safety shield along with smooth functioning. The no-logs policy and the efficient-free processing aid in a hassle-free user experience.
Key features:
- No. of servers: More than 1800
- Server locations: 60+ countries (3 for the free version)
- Maximum device connections permitted: Simultaneously 10
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Speed: Very fast
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, sound forward secrecy, Secure Core VPN technique, DNS leak protection
- Free trial: Free version is available (with limited capabilities)
- Other special features: P-2-P support, Ad-blocking, Malware protection
- Unblocked services other than video calling: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN, Syfy
- Country of source company: Switzerland
- Website: www.protonvpn.com
Pros:
- A free version is available
- A strict no-logs policy is present
- Advanced interface with strong security attributes
- Professional support available
- The subscription fee for the paid versions is also budget-friendly
Cons:
- Lesser-known VPN
2. AtlasVPN
The second one on this list is a relatively newer VPN service provider based in the USA, which has been around in the market since 2019. It also has a free version in the list of plans and that particular free version comes with several advanced security features like WireGuard protocol while providing one of the fastest download speeds in the UAE, accounting for its efficiency despite being the free basic plan. Thus, using AtlasVPNfor video calling in the UAE is also an intelligent choice for other browsing and streaming purposes.
It provides a data limit of 2 GB per day, which is no doubt pretty decent in comparison to its other free version contenders. So, whether you are using its service for unblocking your intended VoIP app or for streaming a couple of episodes of your favorite online series, it seems enough along with satisfactory speed. AtlasVPN also offers P-2-P file sharing and a simple easy-to-use interface for a simplified user experience. In terms of security also this proficient VPN provider doesn’t fall behind, with their military-grade AES-256-bit encryption as well as a strict no-logs policy.
Key features:
- No. of servers: More than 750
- Server locations: 60+ countries (3 for the free version)
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Speed: Very fast
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, WireGuard & IPSec/IKEv2 protocols, Kill Switch, DNS leak protection
- Free trial: Free version is available (with limited capabilities)
- Money back guarantee: Within 30 days of initial usage
- Other special features: P-2-P support, Malware block, Data breach monitor, MultiHop technology
- Unblocked services other than video calling: Torrenting, Netflix, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, Amazon Prime
- Country of source company: United States of America
- Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Pros:
- Free version with decent features
- Affordable paid subscription plans are also available
- Solid no-logs policy
- Advanced security attributes
- Decent speed
Cons:
- Based in the USA which is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance
3. hide.me VPN
Hide.me is the next VPN service that can be used effectively for video calling in the UAE without even paying any amount as there is a free version available along with paid subscription plans offered by the company. Though the free version comes with some limited capabilities, as usually happens with every other VPN out there, still the performance of this particular one is quite satisfactory. Hide.me is specifically committed to efficiently securing users’ privacy and also is transparently straightforward about its offers & schemes.
Hide.me provides an option of 5 available locations of free servers all of which are compatible to use the VoIP services and are privacy-friendly as well. It maintains a strict no-logs policy and also does not let to throttle down the connection speed while you are making a video call. Moreover, ads or trackers are blocked efficiently which might otherwise make the overall experience kind of unsatisfactory.
Key features:
- No. of servers: More than 2000
- Server locations: 75 (5 for the free version)
- Maximum device connections permitted: Simultaneously 10 (1 for the free version)
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Speed: Very fast (in-house Bolt technology)
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: MultiHop, Split tunneling, Stealth Guard, IPV6 support, WireGuard protocol, IP leak protection
- Free trial: Free version is available (with limited capabilities)
- Other special features: Ad-blocking, Streaming support, Password generator, WebRTC leak test
- Supported Web extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- 24/7 live chat support: Available
- Country of source company: Malaysia
- Website: www.hide.me
Pros:
- Free version with superior features
- No-logs policy is present
- A fast and secure connection is established
- Live chat support is available 24/7
Cons:
- Subscription charges, if opted for enhanced capabilities, are not very cheap
4. TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear is another completely free VPN service on this with an ever-extending network of servers in a total of 41 countries at present. 500 MB of data is accessible in the free version whereas tweeting about the provider might allow you to earn an extra data amount of 1 GB. The encryption provided in this is of global standard and the security is also top-notch, which can further be enhanced by activating the Ghostbear mode, developed in-house. For evading strict government protocols like in the UAE, this technique can efficiently make do and thus provide you the opportunity of uninterrupted video calling. Also, this is the only VPN service in the industry to perform annual, independent security audits, thus, undoubtedly a trustworthy option to go for.
Key features:
- Server locations: More than 46
- Maximum device connections permitted: Simultaneously 5
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Speed: Fast with no throttling issues
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, Ghostbear more
- Free trial: Free version is available (with limited capabilities)
- Other special features: Server Switch, Dedicated IP address
- Supported Web Extensions: Chrome, Firefox
- Country of source company: Canada
- Website: www.tunnelbear.com
Pros:
- An efficient free version is available
- Military-grade encryption and Ghostbear mode for enhanced security
- Multiple connections with fast speed
- Trustworthy and independently audited
Cons:
- Data limit of only 500 MB for the free version
5. HotspotShield
The next VPN service provider is also a popular one with over 650 million users worldwide. This comes with unlimited premium subscription plans as well as a free version, though limited and ad-supported, yet all of which can be used uninterruptedly and efficiently as your virtual private network in the UAE for a convenient video calling experience from within the country is HotspotShield. It provides its users with effective online privacy via concrete military-grade encryption and security by offering different advanced security protocols like Hydra, OpenVPN, and IPSec.
Additionally, Hotspot Shield’s VPN does not keep browsing logs, maintaining a strict no-logs policy. In terms of server speed, it provides a consistent connection speed of up to 2 Mbps with a data limit of 500MB per day in its free version. So, on an overall basis, Hotspot Shield is indeed a great choice if you’re looking for a VPN with consistent performance and a secured working front to carry out your desired video calls in the UAE.
Key features:
- No. of servers: More than 500(160 + for the free version)
- Server locations:125+ locations (1 for the free version)
- Maximum device connections permitted: Simultaneously 5
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS
- Supported Web extension: Chrome
- Speed: Fast
- Data limit: Up to 1 Gbps for the free version
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: Military-grade encryption
- Free trial: Free version is available (with limited capabilities)
- Other special features: Hydra, IPSec & Open VPN protocols
- Unblocked services other than video calling: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Youtube
- Website: www.hotspotshield.com
Pros:
- A free version is available
- Easy to subscribe and install
- Easy-to-use interface
- No-logs policy and military-grade encryption
Cons:
- 24/7 live chat support is unavailable in the free version
6. CyberGhost
The final one on this list despite not having a free version, still potentially serves the purpose of an apt free VPN for video calling in the UAE due to its risk-free 45 days money-back guarantee, which is 100% effective. Coming to performance, CyberGhost’s VPN is a star VPN service provider, well known for its superfast speed and unlimited data bandwidth available for uninterrupted HD streaming.
Strong security protocols with strict no-logs policy get further strengthened by the availability of their special NoSpy servers. Additionally, the exclusive WiFi Auto-Protect feature enables a safe and secure browsing experience even when you connect to a public Wi-Fi facility. The huge network of global servers proficiently unblocks your intended video calling service on your preferred VoIP service while sitting in the UAE.
Key features:
- No. of servers: More than 9278
- Server locations: 91 countries
- Maximum device connections permitted: Simultaneously 7
- Supported device platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS
- Speed: Very fast
- Data limit: Unlimited bandwidth
- No-logs policy: Present
- Security aspects highlights: Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, IKEv2 & WireGuard protocols, DNS leak protection, Kill Switch
- Free trial: Available for 1 day
- Money back: Guaranteed risk-free within 45 days of initial usage
- Other special features: WiFi Auto-Protect, IP masking,streaming-optimized servers
- Supported Web Extensions: Chrome, Firefox
- 24/7 live chat support: Available
- Unblocked services other than video calling: Torrenting, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
- Plans: 1 month, 6 months, 2 years (Extra 4 months free)
- Accepts cryptocurrency: Yes, Bitcoin
- Country of source company: Romania
- Website: www.cyberghostvpn.com
Pros:
- Risk-free money-back guarantee within 45 days
- Very fast speed with unlimited bandwidth
- A huge network of streaming-optimized servers
- Multiple advanced security protocols
- WiFi Auto protection
Cons:
- Occasional software crash
CONCLUSION
As the various VoIP services are banned in the UAE due to the heavy restrictions over the internet implemented by the government, you wouldn’t want your favorite voice or video calling app to entirely not work at all while your fancy trip over there or even during your work project or even if you just live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. So, using a competent VPN is quite a smart idea giving you an escape route in this situation. The above-mentioned list gives you an effective account of the best free VPNs, with which you can finally enjoy the usual smooth and uninterrupted video calling while still being in the UAE, efficiently bypassing the government censorship that too under the umbrella of enhanced security and anonymity.
