Finding access to Discord is blocked in the UAE? The UAE’s main Internet Service Provider (ISP), Etisalat, has been imposing Discord blocks on and off since 2017, most recently implementing a full ban in September, 2020. If you’re unhappy about the ban, you’re in luck, as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help.

In this post, we reveal the simple steps required to use a VPN to unblock Discord. We also provide recommendations for VPNs that still work in the UAE in 2021(many don’t).

How to unblock Discord in the UAE

The inner workings of a VPN are quite complex, but getting one set up on your device is very straightforward.

Here’s how to use Discord in the UAE with a VPN:

  • Select a VPN provider from the list below and sign up. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the relevant apps and install them on any device you wish to use Discord on.
  • Log into the VPN app and connect to a server in whichever country you want. Note that if you want the best speeds, you’ll usually be better off going for a geographically close server.
  • You should now be able to start using Discord as normal.

Note that the UAE does restrict the use of VPNs. Some of the VPNs on this list will require some settings changes before they will work in the country.

Because of the restrictions imposed in the UAE, choosing a suitable VPN provider is especially tough. Here’s an at-a-glance look at the best VPNs that still work in the country (we’ll go into more detail below.)

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE:

  • NordVPN: Our top pick for Discord. NordVPN delivers a large network of high-speed servers and plenty of security features. Offers a no-fuss 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best budget provider on the list. Works reliably anywhere and lets you connect as many devices as you like.
  • ExpressVPN:  ExpressVPN is fast, reliable, and secure, plus it unblocks a ton of services in the UAE.
  • PrivateVPN: Offering big performance in a small package, PrivateVPN is highly secure and great for unblocking.
  • AtlasVPN: With low-cost plans and unlimited device connections, AtlasVPN is a wise choice for enjoying Discord from anywhere.
  • Private Internet Access: Adjustable encryption, zero logs, and lightning-fast speeds are just a handful of benefits you get with PIA.

Aside from working in the UAE, you need your VPN to offer solid all-round performance. Here are the main criteria we considered when selecting the best VPNs for Discord in the UAE.

  • Speedy connection
  • Strong encryption and other security features
  • Zero-logs providers
  • User-friendly interface
  • Money-back guarantee

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE – at a glance

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

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to unblock Discord in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks discordTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This service uses the latest technology to secure your connection. Expect 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch in most apps. NordVPN never keeps any logs and accepts various cryptocurrencies, so you can be sure your data remains private. Security extras include automatic wifi protection and double VPN (which sends your traffic through two VPN servers).

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, and desktop apps for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. You can use the VPN on up to six devices at a time.

BEST VPN FOR DISCORD IN UAE:NordVPN is our top pick for accessing Discord in the UAE. It operates a huge network of servers and pegs some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Has server options in the UAE
  • Excels at accessing geo-blocked services
  • Very fast speeds
  • Obfuscated servers can bypass blocks
  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

Cons:

  • The desktop apps take two clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks discordTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that will help you access the free web in the UAE (using its NoBorders mode is the best option). This provider runs a network of more than 3,200 servers covering 65 countries, including the UAE. Surfshark is well-known for its unblocking ability and can readily access a ton of popular streaming sites.

Another area it has an excellent reputation in is security. Surfshark keeps no logs and secures connections with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. All apps come with a kill switch and leak protection. You’ll also find automatic wifi protection, split tunneling, and double VPN. Cryptocurrency payments (Rpple, Bitcoin, and Ethereum) are accepted.

Surfshark doesn’t cap the number of devices you can connect at one time making it ideal for families or roommates. Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is fast, reliable, and great at unblocking content. Plus it doesn’t impose a device limit. The company extends a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Performs well in speed tests

  • NoBorders mode can circumvent censorship

  • Split tunneling feature

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Operates fewer servers than some major competitors

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

Split tunneling options mean you can continue to use your regular connection while tunneling select traffic through the VPN. This is handy, for example, for accessing local content or ensuring you don’t experience lag when playing online games.

This provider packs a punch on the security front too. It boasts military-grade encryption in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also leak protection and the desktop apps come with a kill switch (dubbed a “network lock”). ExpressVPN keeps minimal logs and doesn’t store any data that could be used to trace activity back to its users. ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin payments in case you want to pay anonymously.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. You can connect up to five devices at a time.

BEST VPN FOR DISCORD IN UAE:ExpressVPN is a highly versatile option. It provides a vast network of fast servers and has your back when it comes to privacy and security. The company extends a 30-day money-guarantee with no questions asked.

  • Excellent speeds

  • Strong encryption

  • Split tunneling options

  • Doesn’t log your personal information

  • 30-day refund policy

  • Priced a little higher than some rivals

  • Sometimes struggles with BBC iPlayer

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

You don’t have to worry about security and privacy with this VPN. It stores no logs and secures connections with strong encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch (in the Windows app). You can even pay with Bitcoin.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and up to 10 devices can be connected at a time.

SOLID SECURITY:PrivateVPN may not have a huge network but it does offer a secure connection for users in the UAE and other countries around the world. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works well in and out of the UAE

  • Doesn’t log your browsing activity

  • Military-grade encryption

  • Small network of servers

  • Live chat support is sporadically unavailable

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

5. AtlasVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a great provider for users looking to enjoy the best of the Discord community from anywhere. It has a network of 750+ servers which is slightly smaller than competitors, but with servers in 40+ countries, you’ll have no trouble finding a nearby server. With a large percentage of Discord users being gamers, AtlasVPN uses the WireGuard protocol to bring uninterrupted gaming to desktop and mobile. It also includes an unlimited connection limit, letting you enjoy Discord, Netflix, Prime Video, and other platforms from multiple devices with the protection of a VPN.

AtlasVPN won’t record your data, and their claim is backed by their Panama operating location and with it being owned by the parent company of NordVPN, Nord Technologies. AtlasVPN includes a kill switch, which will drop your internet connectivity if your VPN connection stops working. It also includes ad blocking, a malware blocker, split tunneling, and multihop servers.

New users can try AtlasVPN risk-free, but its cancelation process could do with improving. 24/7 support is available via live chat to help you with any issues you encounter.

EFFORTLESS UNBLOCKING:AtlasVPN includes servers in over 40 regions, perfect for accessing Discord from anywhere. Plans don’t impose a connection limit, and you can try it risk free for 30 days.

  • Unblocks platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus

  • Uses WireGuard which is perfect for uninterrupted gaming

  • Free live chat-based support

  • Connect any number of devices

  • Could offer more customization

  • Doesn’t support manual configuration on Linux or routers

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks discordTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access is a popular provider for users visiting the UAE or traveling outside of the region as it has over 10,000 servers in 80 locations worldwide. It unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix US and Prime Video and includes a 10-device connection limit. Apps are available for desktops and smartphones, and their plans are great for wallet-conscious users.

In our tests, connection speeds were consistent, and for streamers, PIA gives a boost with its use of WireGuard to provide buffer-free streaming. PIA has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, adware blocking, and malware protection. If you’re performing activities that require less encryption, you can lower your encryption level to benefit from added speed.

PIA doesn’t log your activities and provides a transparent privacy policy. Its live chat is available day and night, and canceling is straightforward. You can try PIA risk for 30 days today.

BULLETPROOF SECURITY:Private Internet Access secures up to 10 devices simultaneously and has servers in the UAE. A 30-day risk-free offer is included with all plans.

  • Secures your connection and blocks ads automatically

  • Doesn’t collect logs

  • Apps include a kill switch

  • Adjustable encryption setting

  • Unblocking streaming platforms can be inconsistent

  • Based in a Five Eyes Alliance Country

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Can I unblock Discord in the UAE using a free VPN?

There are a huge number of free VPN options out there, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good choice. These services likely won’t work in the UAE, leaving you disappointed and unable to access Discord. Even if they do work, you’ll have to endure the practical problems associated with free services such as laggy connections and wait times to connect to a server.

Free VPNs don’t tend to perform much better from a privacy and security standpoint either. Their encryption standards rarely measure up to those of their paid rivals and some forgo encryption altogether. You’ll also find that many free VPNs invade your privacy rather than protect it. A typical business model involves monitoring user browsing activity and using the information to serve ads or selling it to third-party advertisers.

Overall, a free VPN just isn’t worth the hassle, whereas a paid VPN provider will give you all-round performance for a relatively small fee.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

In order to use Discord in the UAE, your VPN will have to be able to beat the country’s online censorship, which is easier said than done. You’ll also need fast, reliable speeds and a strong set of security tools, among other things. We’ve put together a list of the most important factors we considered when finding the best VPNs for using Discord in the UAE:

  • Unblocking potential: The UAE has very strict online blocking, so we’ll need to fly under the radar to even access popular VoIP services like Discord, Skype, or WhatsApp. Luckily, we’ve performed thousands of tests, so we know which VPNs are able to beat this kind of restriction the most consistently.
  • Performance: If your connection isn’t up to the task, you’ll notice artifacts in your video chats, and might run into stuttering, robotic-sounding audio on regular calls. We’ve personally speed tested dozens of VPNs and only recommend those with above-average speeds.
  • Security features: To make sure you’re as anonymous as possible, we looked for services with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. Additionally, we required some form of cloaking, whether it’s in the form of a custom protocol or simply a toggleable option in the settings menu.
  • Ease of use: The best services need no tutorials. That’s why our top picks all have well-organized, beginner-friendly apps and solid multi-platform support. Of course, we also made sure that there’d be live chat-based support in case you run into any issues.
  • Price: Some providers try to take advantage of customers by charging more than they’re really worth. However, thanks to our experience we can spot these VPNs a mile away and will never recommend one that isn’t priced fairly. What’s more, we include information on discounts, deals, and guarantees so you’ll pay as little as possible.

Interested in learning more about our testing process? We have a whole post dedicated to explaining all of the different ways we put VPNs through their paces.

It’s worth noting the penalties for these crimes are pretty steep. If “internet protocols are manipulated to commit crime or fraud,” perpetrators can face jail time as well as a fine of up to Dh2 million (around $544,000).

While VPNs aren’t explicitly illegal, there have been reports of monitoring of VPN users in the country. Just downloading a VPN app could prompt this type of surveillance. Even if you’re not up to anything illegal, you’d probably rather not be watched. To avoid this, you might want to download your VPN apps while outside the country.

Disclaimer: Comparitech does not condone the use of VPNs to carry out any illegal activity. In addition, this information should not replace professional legal advice. Rules and laws are subject to change so it’s important to check local restrictions before you connect to a VPN.

Traveling outside the UAE and want to access content from back home? Or simply want to continue to access local content while browsing securely in the UAE?  A VPN can help there too by changing your IP address. Many of the providers in the list above have physical or virtual servers located in the UAE. This means you can get a UAE IP address and continue to access content that’s only available in the UAE.

A VPN is an important tool for those looking for improved privacy and security. This is particularly crucial if you tend to use public wifi hotspots in cafes, hotels, airports, malls, and other locations. These services may be convenient but they represent a big security threat. Network administrators could be monitoring your activity and cybercriminals might be trying to steal your sensitive data Thankfully, by connecting to a VPN first, you render your internet traffic unreadable to hackers and other snoopers.

  • China
  • The UAE
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Oman
  • North Korea

So is Discord secure? Not especially. As long as you’re not sharing personal information, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, though.  If you’d like extra protection from snoopers, a VPN can help (although this won’t stop moderators from investigating your conversations).