Skype is a telecommunications application specializing in video chat and voice calls from computers, tablets, and mobile devices over the Internet to other devices or telephones/smartphones. Skype is one of the biggest and most widely known Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) programs, and unfortunately, that makes the app a huge target when it comes to blocking. Since Skype is hard to classify, there are quite a few countries that either limit Skype usage, or block it entirely. The best way to alleviate this problem is with a VPN.
| Rank | VPN Service | Our Score | Server Locations | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 9.8 | 160 |  |
| 2 |  | 9.4 | 87 | |
| 3 |  | 9.2 | 95 | |
| 4 |  | 9.0 | 110 | |
| 5 |  | 8.8 | 73 | |
As mentioned, Skype runs in to some problems. Many telecom companies in different countries are threatened by programs like Skype and with good reason. Skype has the potential to funnel customers away. Evidence of this fact comes from the tax some countries levy on calls, or even blockages that happen because the cable or telecom companies want to offer their own services. Surprisingly, even in the US, an ISP got fined for blocking Skype, so they could offer their own service. Of course, Skype is completely legal there.
Another reason why some countries are blocking Skype is because they say it interferes with the communications monitoring they do. Because they encrypt their data, some countries are worried about terrorists, or their heavily monitored communications system. Most of the Middle East countries ban skype stating “security reasons”. That is where a VPN can definitely come in to play, but which one would you choose?
A VPN creates a secure connection to a server, and if you are in a country that limits or blocks Skype, the secure connection would be in another country. It could possibly lower bills as well if you connect to a server in, or close to the country you are calling. You would choose the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol because that is the fastest. If you had connection problems you could switch to OpenVPN (TCP), but either way OpenVPN is the option to use. Our options have custom clients so setup is easy.
If you want to secure your data and access Skype, we recommend IPVanish or OverPlay. Neither of these services keep logs, but IPVanish has the fastest networks in the US and Europe. You are welcome to have a look at our top 10 VPN services for different choices, but we do not think you will need to. IPVanish and Overplay are the best overall, based on pricing, speed, and worldwide server networks. Reliable providers will secure your privacy and have fast networks in many different counties, the choices in this post do both.