5 Best VPNs for Skype Alternatives: Teams & Zoom Calls (2026)

NordVPN - Best Overall for Secure Teams, Zoom, and WhatsApp Calls

Fast Connection Speeds

A video call cares less about raw bandwidth than about a connection that never wobbles, and that is where NordVPN earned the top spot. I averaged 20 Mbps over the NordLynx protocol, the second-fastest result here and a single megabit behind ExpressVPN.

That is enough to handle every bandwidth-heavy activity like clear video calls and sharing heavy files. For context, Microsoft says Teams can deliver HD video in under 1.5 Mbps and recommends 2.5 Mbps up and 4 Mbps down for meetings, while Zoom asks for 3.8 Mbps up and 3.0 Mbps down for 1080p video – so there is plenty of headroom.

With 8,400+ servers to spread users across, overcrowding is rarely an issue. Choose the closest servers to boost your performance and keep latency low.

Getting Calls Through Blocks

NordVPN has the largest server network on this list, 8,400+ servers in 167+ countries, so wherever you’re calling from, there is a nearby exit.

When I tested it on Skype, getting through blocks was quick, and NordVPN has specialty servers for the harder cases.

For example, Double VPN servers give you an extra layer of security if you’re worried your calls will be compromised.

There are also obfuscated servers for people who need to beat VPN detection on networks that block VPNs as well as calling apps.

However, NordVPN’s obfuscation was the slowest in my tests. I only averaged 4 Mbps, a considerable drop from 20 Mbps.

That is still above what Teams needs for HD video, and my test calls went through, but I noticed a slight lag and the exchange of files was slower. Treat obfuscated servers as the tool for when a VPN block is actually in your way rather than an everyday setting. If you’ll be living behind obfuscation full-time, ExpressVPN’s automatic version is faster.

Privacy & Security

I’ve been hacked on WhatsApp before, so I’m wary of every calling app. Luckily, NordVPN has my back now.

First, it has impressive Next-generation encryption that encrypts your data and keeps it from anyone who can misuse it. This includes blocking any interception of your calls or the files you share.

NordVPN also has Double VPN. This encrypts the data twice, so double the security for you.

Plus, like PIA, NordVPN has two kill switches.

The internet kill switch safeguards your device from unprotected connections if your VPN is compromised or drops.

And the App kill switch disconnects specified apps.

You won’t access the internet until the VPN connection comes back.

Additionally, NordVPN offers a dedicated IP feature at an extra cost.

An unshared IP address is handy for sensitive company calls, especially if your employer only lets approved addresses into its systems.

Finally, NordVPN allows split tunneling if you only want to protect your calling app. The speeds will be better, so ensure you have this activated when you use obfuscation. Microsoft’s own network guidance for Teams also recommends letting Teams traffic bypass a VPN where you can, because VPNs add latency and some don’t carry the UDP traffic Teams relies on.

One more thing worth switching on is Threat Protection. Chat windows are a favourite delivery route for dodgy links and attachments, and on the Complete and Ultra plans it blocks malicious domains and trackers before they load and scans downloads for malware.

Device Compatibility

You can use NordVPN on any device you make calls on.

It works with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Furthermore, NordVPN can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, level with ExpressVPN’s Basic plan and PrivateVPN (Surfshark and PIA set no limit).

This is perfect for a small team holding secure calls remotely.

Regarding price, NordVPN costs more than Surfshark.

The good news is you can get it at reduced prices with these discounted rates.

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Surfshark - Unlimited Device Connections for Large Teams

Fast Connection Speeds

I got 19 Mbps with Surfshark. This was slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN by a tiny margin, so the gap wasn’t wide.

It handled VoIP services like video conferencing without issues, and transferring and receiving files were flawless.

For the test, I used WireGuard and IKEv2, the two fastest protocols.

But that’s not the only reason for the speeds. Surfshark also regularly updates its servers.

Choose either protocol and use the nearest server for faster results.

Getting Calls Through Blocks

With 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, I bypassed geo-restrictions without a hassle.

However, the server network is still a good deal smaller than NordVPN’s.

Surfshark sells a dedicated IP as a paid add-on, and it also has free Static IP servers. Static IPs are shared, but you get the same IP every time you connect, unlike PIA’s Multi-Hop, which gives you a new one with each connection.

Surfshark also offers obfuscation called Camouflage Mode.

It works automatically with OpenVPN. It’s more efficient than NordVPN but still slower than ExpressVPN. With Camouflage Mode, your VPN traffic looks like ordinary traffic to networks that block VPNs.

Privacy & Security

Surfshark offers AES 256-bit encryption. All your call traffic, including video, passes through an encrypted tunnel that keeps dangers at bay. Your ISP also can’t throttle your speeds since they can’t see what you’re doing in the first place.

Meanwhile, an automatic kill switch disables the internet when your VPN connection drops while you’re on a call. Everything will go offline, including the call, but that’s better than compromising your secure channel.

This is where NordVPN, PrivateVPN, and PIA have the edge over Surfshark for their double kill switches.

This budget-friendly VPN also has a Bypasser feature (split tunneling).

You can choose what to encrypt with the VPN and what to leave out.

This was convenient for me since I have PayPal on my Android phone, and it doesn’t entertain the use of VPNs.

Device Compatibility

Surfshark works on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

That covers every device you’re likely to call from.

Surfshark is also one of two VPNs here (with PIA) that allow unlimited device connections.

For companies with large remote teams, one account is enough to secure all devices for calls.

That unlimited allowance and the price make Surfshark my runner-up. Two things stop it from overtaking NordVPN: the single kill switch and the smaller network. If your priority is covering twenty laptops on one login, though, it beats NordVPN on value.

Finally, Surfshark is very affordable, with incredible discounts to boot.

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ExpressVPN - Fastest Speeds for Clear Video & Audio Calls

Fast Connection Speeds

ExpressVPN registered the fastest speeds in my tests, which isn’t surprising. The combination of fast protocols and optimized servers makes it fast enough to handle VoIP calls without interruptions.

I averaged 21 Mbps using random servers. I set up a group meeting with three friends and didn’t experience buffering from my end.

The video quality was also very clear, and sending and receiving files was fast.

Getting Calls Through Blocks

With servers in 113 countries, there’s a nearby server almost anywhere you call from.

On top of that, ExpressVPN has automatic obfuscation.

This matters on networks that block VPNs as well as calling apps.

Anyone who blocks calling apps knows people will switch to VPNs to get around it.

The obfuscation offered by ExpressVPN is the best way to beat VPN detection.

It’s also the only VPN here that does it automatically, and it is the single biggest reason to pick ExpressVPN over NordVPN if you’ll be calling from behind a serious firewall.

Plus, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation works across all servers and protocols, so the connection speeds are constant. Obfuscation in other VPNs, like NordVPN, comes with reduced speeds.

Privacy & Security

Calling apps aren’t beyond hackers trying to get their hands on sensitive company data. ExpressVPN has a few tricks up its sleeve for this.

First, there’s military-grade encryption which kept my calls secure. Breaching this is almost impossible, even for the best hackers. Second, there’s an automated Network Lock kill switch for disabling the internet when the VPN connection drops.

Additionally, you can take calls on public Wi-Fi if you hold a meeting while out. ExpressVPN uses encryption to stop packet sniffing programs used by hackers to read your traffic directly.

ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, which I used to send only my calling app through the VPN rather than burdening it with traffic from all my apps.

ExpressVPN now sells a dedicated IP too: it’s included on the Pro plan and a paid add-on on Basic and Advanced. It also has an IP rotating feature that changes your IP to keep third parties out.

Device Compatibility

ExpressVPN is compatible with all the platforms you’re likely to call from.

This includes Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on the Basic plan, level with NordVPN and PrivateVPN, and more than enough for a small team.

What separates it from NordVPN is what you give up for that one extra megabit: there’s no Double VPN, and the network reaches fewer countries (113 against NordVPN’s 167+). If obfuscation with no speed penalty matters more to you than either, it is worth the money. Either way, we have fantastic deals to get the VPN at a reduced price.

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PrivateVPN - Excellent for Private Calls

Fast Connection Speeds

4th on the list is PrivateVPN. I averaged 14 Mbps in the speed test, making it the 4th fastest VPN. That was enough for smooth video and audio calls and sharing files. It has fast servers that offer low latency.

PrivateVPN also purchases high-capacity internet (HQN) from the best IP transit providers and hosting companies, significantly improving speeds.

Like other alternatives, PrivateVPN has the IKEv2 protocol that offers the best speeds. I combined that with the closest server I could find, and the speeds improved.

Getting Calls Through Blocks

PrivateVPN has the smallest server network, and that was a challenge.

With only 200+ servers in 63 countries, you have fewer options for getting calls through, meaning overcrowded servers, which explains the speeds.

In better news, PrivateVPN has an obfuscation feature called StealthVPN. However, unlike ExpressVPN, it only works with OpenVPN, and the connection speeds reduce once activated.

I conducted a second speed test with StealthVPN, and the average speeds were cut to 9 Mbps. That’s still faster than Camouflage Mode and NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.

Privacy & Security

I always feel someone is listening in on my private calls.

But PrivateVPN’s state-of-the-art encryption settled my fears.

The AES 256-bit encryption kept my calls through the VPN secure. This blanket encryption also eliminates ISP monitoring that can lead to speed throttling.

PrivateVPN also secures devices on public Wi-Fi networks.

So you can take calls without worries anywhere.

Be it at the airport cafe before the flight or in the mall when doing your shopping.

There’s also an effective kill switch called Connection Guard that works alongside a second kill switch called Application Guard.

This disconnects the internet for an assigned app (similar to NordVPN’s App Kill Switch).

PrivateVPN also offers dynamic dedicated IPs on selected locations. They’re unshared while you use them, but you won’t get the same IP twice like Surfshark’s Static IP.

Every time you connect, you get a new one, so nobody can tie a string of calls to one address.

Unfortunately, for those who hate routing everything through the VPN, PrivateVPN doesn’t offer split tunneling.

Device Compatibility

PrivateVPN works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (manual configuration).

Additionally, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, level with ExpressVPN and NordVPN. This is enough for a small team needing to secure multiple devices for calls.

On price plans, PrivateVPN is among the cheapest.

Add these fantastic discounts, and you can have it for nearly nothing.

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Private Internet Access - Advanced Obfuscation for Hiding VPN Use on Calls

Fast Connection Speeds

I got 8 Mbps with Private Internet Access, the slowest connection so far.

I didn’t experience lags or freezes on the call, but sending large files took much longer.

And unlike other options, PIA only has two protocols: WireGuard (the fastest) and OpenVPN. I used WireGuard for the speed test.

Getting Calls Through Blocks

Private Internet Access has enough servers worldwide to get calls through quickly. These servers offer unlimited bandwidth, so your ISP can’t throttle your speeds when making important calls.

PIA has servers in all 50 US states, where none of these calling apps is restricted. That should get you through the door.

But what placed PIA on this list is its impressive obfuscation.

Unlike the other VPNs, it comes bundled with Multi-Hop.

So, on top of removing VPN traces from your traffic, your call traffic is routed through a VPN server and a proxy. This makes it faster than the typical obfuscation. However, it only works with OpenVPN, and your speeds will still reduce.

On my second speed test with obfuscation active, I got 7 Mbps, a mere 1 Mbps drop. This is faster than Surfshark and NordVPN.

Privacy & Security

PIA is a well-rounded VPN when it comes to privacy and security.

It’s the only VPN that offers 128-bit and 256-bit encryption.

You can select either from the settings.

The VPN also comes with two kill switches. A regular one disconnects the internet when the VPN connection comes down, and an Advanced kill switch blocks leaks even with the VPN deactivated.

You can also use PIA’s split-tunneling to only direct your calling app through the VPN for better performance. Furthermore, PIA has a dedicated IP feature that will cost you extra.

Device Compatibility

You can use PIA on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Like Surfshark, PIA now allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.

The VPN’s price tag is also fair. But you can get it discounted through this link.

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