Best VPNs for Etisalat & UAE That Still Work in 2023

The UAE is known to have strict internet restrictions imposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA). They regularly monitor online content and activities, causing ISPs, such as Etisalat, to block access to certain sites and services. If you’re in the UAE and try accessing content that is prohibited, you’ll come across the following message: Access to this site is currently blocked. The site falls under the Prohibited Content Categories of the UAE’s Internet Access Management Policy. But don’t worry, the best VPNs for Etisalat can help you bypass these restrictions.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service redirects your internet traffic through a VPN server, encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. A VPN is, therefore, not only useful for unblocking geo-restricted content such as messaging and VoIP services, streaming platforms, and news and social media sites, but it can also protect your online privacy and anonymity from potential snoopers.

Unfortunately, Etisalat blocks most VPNs in an attempt to further restrict access. But there are some services that still work in 2023. In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs that work with Etisalat and explain exactly how to use them. We’ll go into more detail about each provider later, but in case you’re short on time. Here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Etisalat:

1. NordVPN Best VPN for Etisalat. Provides the fastest speeds around, includes plenty of security features, has a strong record of protecting users’ privacy, and has a large server network of over 5,500. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Etisalat.
   
2. Surfshark Best value VPN for Etisalat. Bypass VPN blocks with its Camouflage Mode. Servers in 100+ countries, MultiHop servers, no connection limits, and a strict no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN A vast network of fast and secure servers that can unblock just about anything from almost everywhere. 24/7 live chat customer support.
4. PrivateVPN Lesser known provider managing to keep under the censors’ radar. Excellent speeds, strong unblocking ability. Allows up to 10 connections.
5. Private Internet Access Solid security credentials, huge server network, unlimited connections, and 24/7 support.

How we selected the top Etisalat VPNs

Not only is a lot of online content restricted by Etisalat in Dubai and the UAE, but most VPNs are also blocked. To save you the hassle of searching through VPNs that don’t work, we’ve put together this list by looking for VPNs that meet the following criteria:

• Able to securely access the internet in the UAE
• Servers located in plenty of countries around the world
• High-speed connections for streaming HD content
• Strong security with 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch
• A no-logs policy so that your online activity remains private
• Customer support (preferably with a 24/7 live chat feature)

We explain fully how we choose the VPNs on this list in our methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for Etisalat: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Etisalat.

Best VPNs for Etisalat (that still work)

At Comparitech, we personally use a huge variety of VPNs, so you don’t have to. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences and real-world tests. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Etisalat:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2023 Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2023

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Etisalat. It’s one of the very few VPNs that works with Etisalat in the UAE. One of NordVPN’s biggest selling points is that it has a huge network of servers. With well over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, this VPN service allows you to beat censorship and browse securely from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Skype and more. Aside from having plenty of servers to choose from, NordVPN is very fast as well as consistent. Indeed, NordVPN does promise 99% server uptime.

NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at a time and has apps that are responsive and easy to use. Aside from a ‘Quick Connect’ option, you can browse servers by country. There’s even the option of speciality servers that include Onion Over VPN and Double VPN. NordVPN ticks all of the boxes when it comes to security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, an internet kill switch, and a proven no-logs policy.

You can download NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR ETISALAT:NordVPN is our top pick. Huge network of very fast servers. Also offers powerful security and privacy features and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

---

2. Surfshark

works with EtisalatTested Dec 2023

Surfshark has a feature called Camouflage Mode, which disguises VPN as regular web traffic. The ability to hide your browsing history and stay anonymous online makes this VPN service highly suitable for use with Etisalat and the UAE. You’ll have more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries to choose from, so you can bypass censorship with ease. You can also expect fast servers and unlimited bandwidth.

With a single Surfshark account, it’s possible to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. A subscription also includes access to 24-hour live chat and email support. When it comes to security, Surfshark ensures your data is safe with military-grade encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch feature. Extra protection can be had by connecting to one of its MultiHop servers.

To use Surfshark, simply download and install a VPN app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, you have the option of using a Chrome or Firefox browser extension. Use with routers requires manual setup.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has a stealth feature for bypassing VPN blocks and has servers in 100 countries. High-speed connections for streaming and torrenting. No-logs VPN with MultiHop servers available. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

---

3. ExpressVPN

Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2023

ExpressVPN is an ideal VPN service to use around the world, with over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. This means you’ll be able to browse safely not only in the UAE but also in the likes of the USA, UK, and Japan. We’ve found ExpressVPN connections to be consistently high-speed, which makes this an excellent VPN for streaming HD-quality videos with no buffering or lag.

Some of the sites and services that ExpressVPN works with on Etisalat include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp. Accessing geo-restricted content in the UAE is quick and easy, thanks to ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps. Simply select a location, and you’ll be connected to a VPN server in seconds. If you do encounter any issues with Etisalat, you can always contact ExpressVPN support. There’s a live chat feature which we’ve tested ourselves and found to be excellent.

Online security is always important, particularly in countries where users worry about legal consequences for mistakenly accessing content deemed inappropriate. ExpressVPN features 256-bit AES encryption (military-grade) – one of the most widely used encryption standards. Also important is the kill switch feature that prevents your data from being exposed should the VPN connection drop. Finally, ExpressVPN has DNS leak protection and doesn’t keep any identifying connection or activity logs of its users.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. It’s also one of the few VPNs to offer apps for Linux and routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer also makes it easier to use ExpressVPN on games consoles, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

ExpressVPN speed test data

EXCELLENT SECURITY:ExpressVPN puts your privacy first. It offers fast speeds for downloading and streaming and is excellent at unblocking content in the UAE including Skype. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

---

4. PrivateVPN

Works with EtisalatTested Dec 2023

PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider that still works well with Etisalat. Despite having a smaller network of around 200 servers, these are strategically located worldwide in an impressive 63 countries. PrivateVPN has consistently found ways around anti-VPN measures. As such, you can use PrivateVPN to regain access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Skype, and more. What we like most about PrivateVPN is that it offers very fast speeds. We were able to stream at high resolutions with absolutely no buffering.

We can recommend PrivateVPN for both beginners and more experienced VPN users alike. That’s because this VPN’s apps offer simple and advanced menus. You can simply click and connect to a server or explore the various settings on offer. PrivateVPN can be used on 10 different devices simultaneously, letting you secure everything from your laptop to your mobile. Speaking of security, PrivateVPN is safe to use since it offers a high level of encryption (256-bit AES), an internet kill switch feature, and DNS leak protection. PrivateVPN also states that it has a zero-data logging policy.

PrivateVPN offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

PrivateVPN speed test data

FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN offers fast speeds for HD streaming, works with Netflix and Skype and has a zero data logging policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

5. Private Internet Access

works with EtisalatTested Dec 2023

Private Internet Access is a solid choice that allows access to Etisalat and other popular streaming providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. PIA has servers in 84+ countries, with a network of over 30,000 servers globally.

Private Internet Access shines in its security offering, providing military-grade encryption, an in-app kill switch, an ad blocker, and a malware blocker. DNS leak protection ensures your privacy remains watertight, and its no-logs policy ensures your activities are never recorded.

Unlimited simultaneous connections are standard, allowing you to connect all your devices with VPN protection under a single account. Speeds are decent across its servers, and apps are available for desktop and mobile. WireGuard is its standard protocol, boosting your connection for streaming and gaming. 24/7 support is available via live chat, including a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access speed test data

WIREGUARD READY:Private Internet Access uses 256-bit encryption, it includes around-the-clock support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

---

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Etisalat

Browsing the web in the UAE can be frustrating due to the strict internet censorship that’s in place. Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, such as server speed and security. Below, we detail our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Etisalat:

• Unblocking: More than anything, you’ll need a VPN with strong unblocking ability in the UAE. That’s because many popular websites and services are restricted. These can only be unblocked by connecting to servers in other countries and changing your IP address.
• Speed: There are multiple reasons why a VPN might slow your connection. Server proximity and user load, as well as encryption, are factors at play. However, some VPNs are simply faster than others, while the best VPNs for Etisalat even include unlimited bandwidth.
• Network size: Any high-quality VPN will have servers in dozens of countries. This allows you to unblock most popular websites and services that might be geo-restricted or government-censored. Furthermore, the larger a network, the less server load there’s likely to be.
• Security: Whether you’re in the UAE or traveling abroad, there are always security risks to be aware of. By using a VPN, you can ensure your data is encrypted and secure from hackers. The VPNs recommended above also include a kill switch and protection from leaks.
• Privacy: Privacy protection is always important, particularly in the UAE, where your online activity may be monitored by your ISP and even the government. As such, you must use a VPN with a no-logs policy. We’ve assessed VPN logging policies so you can see which are safe (and which to avoid!).
• Ease of use: All of the above means little if the VPN is too complicated to use. To make your life easier, there should be beginner-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems. We also only choose VPN services that include 24/7 support via live chat and email.
• Value for money: With so many VPNs challenging for your business, there’s just no need to spend a fortune on one. All of the best VPNs for Etisalat offer affordable subscriptions plus multiple simultaneous connections. In fact, you can save further by taking advantage of our VPN coupons.

Want to know more? Check out our detailed post explaining our VPN testing methodology.

Is it legal to use a VPN in the UAE?

It is generally considered legal to use a VPN in the UAE, despite the anti-VPN measures implemented by internet service providers such as Etisalat. The UAE actually has laws related to the use of VPNs. Indeed, UAE law says that a VPN is only illegal if it’s used to commit a crime.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) is responsible for internet censorship in the UAE. Content that is prohibited in the UAE is:

any content that offends against, is objectionable to, or is contrary to the public interest, public morality, public order, public national security, Islam morality or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law, regulation, procedure, order or requirement…

Some examples of prohibited content include:

• VoIP sites such as Skype
• Pornography and nudity
• Fraud, impersonation, and phishing
• Drugs and mind-affecting substances
• Gambling and similar activities (bets, lottery, electronic gambling)
• Discrimination, racism, and contempt of religion

You can read more on using a VPN in our guide to the best VPNs for UAE.

Disclaimer: Comparitech does not condone or encourage any violation of copyright restrictions. Please consider the law, victims, and risks of piracy before downloading copyrighted material without permission. If you’re unclear about the legal ramifications, then it’s best to speak with a lawyer first. We are not legal experts and you should seek out qualified legal advice on these matters.

Using a free VPN with Etisalat

There are several reasons why we advise against using free VPNs, particularly in the UAE:

1. The vast majority of free VPNs simply won’t work with Etisalat, which blocks VPNs on a regular basis. Indeed, if you’re trying to access VoIP services such as Skype, you’ll need a quality VPN to get past the blocks implemented by the UAE government.
2. Free VPNs have far fewer servers. This makes unblocking content from other countries more difficult. In contrast, the best-paid VPNs have thousands of servers worldwide, often in dozens of countries.
3. With fewer servers and more people trying to use the service, free VPNs often suffer from poor performance. As such, you’ll find streaming videos and making video calls will be difficult due to buffering and lag.
4. A VPN should improve your online security. Free VPNs do not offer as many security features as paid VPNs. At the very least, you should look for a VPN that uses 256-bit AES encryption, has DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.
5. Last but certainly not least, free VPNs often keep logs of your data and activity. This is especially risky in countries such as the UAE, where accessing content that is deemed inappropriate or illegal may have legal consequences. For this reason, we strongly advise you to choose a VPN with a no-logs policy.

VPN not working with Etisalat? Try this

We’ve found NordVPN to be by far the most reliable VPN in the UAE. However, even this provider can occasionally struggle to work with Etisalat. If your VPN is not working with Etisalat, try this:

1. Leave the protocol on Automatic.
2. Try connecting to any of the UK or USA server locations.
3. It may take longer than usual to connect (up to a minute or more at times), but that’s normal.
4. Try a few other server locations if the above step fails.
5. As a last resort, switch protocol to L2TP and then try connecting again. We don’t advise users always to use L2TP, but it might work in the UAE.

Best VPNs for Etisalat: FAQs