I. Introduction
Skype is one of the most popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services used by millions globally for affordable video and voice calls. By transferring conversations into data packets, Skype allows long-distance communications without expensive international calling rates levied by telcos.
However, many restrictive regions deliberately throttle or block access to popular VoIP apps to promote state-owned telco revenues. Such countries include the UAE, China, Oman, Qatar etc. Further, public WiFi and cellular networks also carry security risks like MITM attacks that can compromise calls.
This is where utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds tremendous value for secure and accessible Skype-based communications uninhibited by restrictive networks. By routing traffic through encrypted tunnels and changing IP addresses, VPNs allow bypassing blocks while hiding the nature of activity.
This guide will cover top-rated VPNs optimized specifically for using Skype globally based on essential criteria like speed, security and circumvention ability.
II. Criteria for Choosing a Skype VPN
Given Skype’s inherent dependency on real-time connectivity, the chosen VPN service plays a huge role in call quality and reliability. Here are key considerations while selecting a suitable VPN for Skype usage:
Fast Servers – Skype calls require low-latency stable connections without sluggishness or call drops. Thus the VPN must provide excellent speeds across international locations using modern protocols like Wireguard or OpenVPN.
Top-Grade Encryption – 256-bit AES encryption is vital for securing communication packets transmitted over the VPN tunnel by obstructing external tracking or blocking. This also hides the VoIP nature of activity.
Strict No-Logs Approach – A guaranteed no-logs policy across the provider’s server network ensures conversations remain private without recording or session logs tracking call metadata.
Compatibility Across Devices – The VPN solution should offer native apps across major platforms like Windows, OSX, Android and iOS for easy usage with both mobile and desktop Skype versions.
Proven Circumvention Capabilities – For regions where VoIP apps get deliberately throttled or firewall blocked, the VPN’s operational consistency in bypassing these restrictions is paramount based on real-user reviews.
With hundreds of VPN providers in the market, filtering services specialized for Skype can be challenging. Thankfully, experts have compiled lists of top-performing options.
III. Best VPNs for Skype
Based on extensive testing across metrics like speed, security and bypassing abilities, these rank among the top VPN solutions for using Skype worldwide:
1. ExpressVPN
One of the industry leaders ExpressVPN tops recommendations lists for Skype usage in restricted regions like China, UAE and Iran. With 3200+ servers across 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides exceptional speeds for smooth calls along with proven effectiveness in bypassing firewall blocks using obfuscated connectivity.
Their 256-bit encrypted tunnels fully secure Skype’s traffic while the strict no-logs policy prevents recording of any usage data including calls. With intuitive native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices, getting set up is very straightforward.
While slightly more expensive than competitors, ExpressVPN’s reliable performance has garnered praise from experts including:
- TechRadar – Top VPN for Skype Calling in Restrictive Regions
- VPNMentor – Best for VoIP & Skype Video Calls in UAE & China
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another premium provider that specializes in bypassing geo-restrictions including VoIP and Skype blocks. It offers over 5400 servers across 59 countries covering all continents. Users praise NordVPN for its ability to circumvent throttling and allow smooth Skype calls even under severe network limitations.
Their budget-friendly Standard plan works perfectly for Skype usage with decent speeds. The Panama-based provider also has a strict no-logs policy authorized under the region’s data privacy laws, adding further confidence.
3. Surfshark
For users seeking a low-cost but highly capable VPN option for Skype and VoIP access, Surfshark fits the bill. Despite being relatively new Surfshark has quickly gained popularity for its strong security provisions.
The VPN service puts user privacy first with its guaranteed no-logs policy across all 3200+ global servers. The 256-bit AES traffic encryption also keeps communication content fully secured without fear of interception.
The budget-friendly pricing combined with strong security has won Surfshark glowing recommendations from experts including:
- ProPrivacy – Top Budget Skype VPN for Privacy Protection
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another efficient VPN solution that allows protecting Skype usage from intrusive ISPs, WiFi hackers and regional blocks. They own/manage their entire server infrastructure comprising over 7400 servers in 91 countries – one of the largest VPN networks globally.
Optimized servers for video streaming ensure stable, fast connectivity for smooth Skype calls regardless of external limitations. Like Express, CyberGhost also utilizes obfuscated connectivity protocols to bypass firewall blocks and throttling targeted towards VoIP traffic.
The Romania-headquartered provider has won plaudits from review platforms like:
- Tech Radar – Fastest & Most Secure Paid VPN for Skype Usage
5. iTop VPN
For users unwilling to spend on subscription plans, iTop VPN presents itself as a compelling free alternative with generous data limits. Despite being zero-cost, iTop still offers crucial security provisions like 256-bit encryption, guaranteed no-logs policy, along with high-speed servers for uninterrupted calls.
This winning combination of reliable performance and strict privacy protocols has earned iTop glowing mentions like:
- VPNOnlineFree – Best Free VPN for Making Secure Skype Calls
Thus based on expert assessments, these 5 providers offer a flexible mix of paid and free solutions for every budget while fulfilling key criteria like speed, security and circumvention abilities vital for Skype usage via VPN tunneling.
IV. How to Use Skype with a VPN
Once you have signed-up with your preferred VPN service from the above recommendations, using Skype securely is a very straightforward process across devices:
On Windows PCs
- Download and install your VPN provider’s Windows software available from their site or app marketplace listings.
- Similarly, install the Skype desktop app and sign-in using your account.
- Launch the VPN desktop client and connect via a server of your choice, preferably in a region with unrestricted VoIP access.
- Initiate a Skype call once secured on the VPN network. Your traffic will now be anonymized and encrypted from external tracking or blocks.
On iPhone/Android Mobiles
- Install your VPN provider’s iOS/Android app along with the Skype mobile app from App Store/Play Store.
- Tap to launch the VPN app and sign-in to initiate a connection using a suitable server.
- Subsequently open the Skype mobile interface post VPN activation and place calls as usual for secure routing.
For example, respected provider LimeVPN offers two tailored subscription plans whether for home or business usage of Skype:
- TechRadar – LimeVPN’s Optimized Packages for Skype Users
And voila, you are all set to start making web-based calls, video conferences and VoIP connections via Skype safeguarded by encrypted VPN channels!
V. Conclusion
In summary, while Skype revolutionized global communication with free worldwide calls – its usage faces frequent issues like intrusive ISP monitoring, public WiFi risks and deliberate blocks by restrictive regimes seeking to promote expensive state-run telco services.
VPN usage effectively resolves these dilemmas for secure and unthrottled Skype performance regardless of network limitations. Based on essential criteria like speed, security and circumvention competence – providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost ranked as expert recommendations.
Their proven consistency in bypassing network barriers along with robust encryption makes communication safeguards watertight. Additionally, with flexible plans accommodating limited budgets to premium protection needs, they present Skype users the ultimate connectivity shield guarding conversations without intrusions.
So discover your preferred Skype VPN partner from the line-up to rediscover freedom of global communication without boundaries!