Secure Your Voice Calls: The Essentials of VoIP VPN

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology provides a convenient and affordable means of communication for conference calls, video chats, and other types of online audio or visual conversations. 

But there is one major downside to VoIP: it is open to potential security risks if you are not adequately protected by a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If your home or office relies on VoIP to keep in contact with family, friends, suppliers, customers, or coworkers but does not have the extra protection of secure VPN encryption, your data could be vulnerable to malicious actors lurking on public network transmissions. 

Learn more about why setting up an effective VPN as part of your VoIP setup is essential for keeping private conversations secure.

An Overview of VoIP and VPN Technologies

In today's fast-paced digital world, communication is key. Two technologies that have revolutionized the way we communicate are VoIP and VPN. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows users to make phone calls over the internet, while a Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network. 

With VoIP, traditional phone lines are no longer necessary, and you can make calls from any device with an internet connection. VPN, on the other hand, ensures that your online activities remain private, protected, and secure from prying eyes. 

Both technologies offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, increased flexibility, and enhanced security. Whether you're running a home office or working for a large corporation, understanding the basics of VoIP and VPN is essential to staying ahead in today's digital landscape.

Why Use a VPN for Your VoIP Calls?

VoIP calling has become the go-to option for many individuals and businesses. However, using VoIP calls over an unencrypted network is risky and can result in a compromised data breach. This is where VPN calling comes into play. Here are three main reasons to use a Voice over IP VPN for your VoIP calls.

Resolves Firewall Blockages 

 SIP ALG (Session Initiation Protocol Application Layer Gateway) is a feature found in many routers and firewall devices, which is used for initiating, maintaining, and terminating real-time sessions that involve voice, video, messaging, and other communication applications. Using a VPN with VoIP can help bypass firewalls and SIP ALG settings that might block or interfere with VoIP traffic. By tunnelling through these barriers, a VPN ensures that VoIP calls are not dropped or disrupted by network management tools that often misclassify VoIP packets. In layman’s terms, this means calls are smoother and more reliable across various network environments.

Improves latency and call quality

Latency refers to the delay between the transmission of a voice packet from the sender and its reception by the receiver. High latency means higher delays in data transmission. This can lead to several issues when making VoIP calls:

• Poor call quality like delays, echo, and choppy audio.
• Dropped calls.
• Difficulty in real-time communication.

A VPN can stabilize VoIP connections by routing traffic through optimized paths, which may improve packet delivery consistency and reduce packet loss. VPNs offer Quality of Service (QoS) features that prioritize VoIP traffic, ensuring better call quality and reducing latency when a network is congested. 

Security and privacy

Although VoIP calls are convenient for individuals and businesses, with convenience often comes potential security risks. One such risk is the exposure of sensitive data during VoIP calls. Felix Yanko, co-founder and CEO of Voiply explains that hackers can attempt to break into your VoIP system by manipulating data packets to decode the information. “ This malicious form of hacking can lead to stolen SIP credentials, reduced audio quality, interrupted service, and system delays, he says. “A VPN encrypts and protects your traffic.” Without a VPN, your internet traffic can be easily intercepted and monitored, putting confidential information, such as login credentials or personal details, at risk.

Using a VPN with VoIP enhances security by encrypting data traffic, which protects against eavesdropping and hacking attempts. It also improves privacy by masking the user's IP address, safeguarding the details of the call's origin and content from potential surveillance.

Check out Voiply’s flexible and secure business VoIP plans. Easily tailor your home phone to fit your needs. See Residential Plans

The Importance of Privacy When Making VoIP Calls

Making VoIP calls can be done easily from almost anywhere in the world. However, with this convenience comes the risk of privacy invasion. It is important to remember that not all VoIP calls are as secure as we would like them to be. Every communication on this technology can be intercepted and leaked to the wrong people. Therefore, we must take the necessary measures to protect our privacy when making VoIP calls. Whether through encrypted communication channels or the use of secure software, we must prioritize our privacy to ensure that confidential information remains just that – confidential. After all, the consequences of compromised privacy in communication can be dire, both on personal and professional levels.

How to Setup and Use a VPN for VoIP Services

Setting up a VPN for your phone calls can help you protect your online privacy and security while making calls—and the setup isn’t rocket science, either. You can install and start using the service in minutes with a few simple steps. The steps below will teach you how to install and use Voiply’s Opal device, which allows you to set up a direct VPN to Voiply’s servers. In comparison, traditional providers like Comcast, Verizon, and Time Warner all still communicate with a dynamic IP Address, which poses problems with their router like not allowing customers to access the interface to make changes, blocking VoIP traffic, or enabling SIP ALG without the ability to disable it.

How to configure your VPN and VoIP Settings via Ethernet

1. Plug one end of the ethernet cable to the WAN port of Opal Device and the other end into LAN port of your router
2. Plug in your Voiply adapter into the LAN port of the Opal Device
3. Plug in the power cord
4. Connect your laptop or desktop to the SSID on the “setting up” instructions (make sure it’s connected to Wifi)
5. Open up your browser and type in https://192.168.8.1. 
6. Choose your language and set up a new admin password. 

You are now inside the new Opal Device and connected via ethernet.

How to configure your VPN and VoIP Settings via Wifi

1. Plug in your Voiply adapter into the LAN port of the Opal Device
2. Plug in the power cord
3. Connect your laptop or desktop to the SSID on the “setting up” instructions (make sure it’s connected to Wifi)
4. Open up your browser and type in https://192.168.8.1. 
5. Choose your language and set up a new admin password
6. Go to the repeater section and hit scan. Your Wi-Fi connection will show up and connect to your Wi-Fi. 

You’re now inside the new Opal Device and connected via wireless.

View our full guide to setting up VPN for VoIP with screenshots and troubleshooting instructions.

Best VPN for VoIP: A Comparative Overview

Voiply

Voiply’s Opal Device allows you to connect safely to the internet and get online securely and safely. It fully encrypts your calls, resolves firewall blockages, improves call quality, and improves latency to allow crystal clear, fast communication, no matter where you are in the world.

Hardware price: $44.95 (one-time fee)

Plans & Pricing

• One-time fee with $1.99/month subscription.
• Whole Home VPN: $4.99/month

Speed

• The Opal Device provides fast speeds and is compatible with VoIP calls, gaming, and business.

Encryption

• Fully encrypted, connecting directly to Voiply’s SIP services, even if your internet provider doesn’t allow you to change router settings. 
• Pre-installed TOR service, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption is supported to protect privacy.

Server Availability:

• Can access servers in 50 countries providing global coverage.

User Friendliness: 

• Voiply’s Opal Device is a plug-and-play device and sets up within minutes. It can be connected via ethernet or Wifi and has a user-friendly interface.

Pros:

• Portable.
• Converts a public Wifi signal to private.
• Works in 50+ countries.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Up to 5 devices connected simultaneously.

Cons:

• Possibility of Reduced Internet Speed.
• Site Compatibility Issues.

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ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its reliability, security, and speed. However, its higher price point and limited simultaneous connections may be drawbacks for some users.

Plans & Pricing: 

• 1 month: $12.95/month.
• 6 months: $9.99/month.
• 15 months: $6.67/month.

Speed

• Fast and consistent connection speeds, compatible with VoIP calls and other high-bandwidth activities.

Encryption

• Uses AES-256 encryption and supports various secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.

Server availability

• Large network (exact number not disclosed) of servers across numerous countries, giving users ample options and good global coverage.

User Friendliness

• User-friendly apps across various platforms with intuitive interfaces.

Pros

• No-logs policy.
• Cross-platform compatibility.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Works in restrictive regions.

Cons

• High price.
• Limited simultaneous connections.
• Occasional server congestion.

NordVPN

NordVPN has strong security measures, a vast server network, and user-friendly applications, ideal for tasks like streaming, torrenting, and more. 

Plans & Pricing: 

• Basic: $12.99/month.
• Plus: $14.99/month.
• Complete: $15.99/month.
• Ultra: $16.59/month.

Discounts available for yearly plans.

Speed

• Generally delivers decent connection speeds, though it may vary depending on server load and distance.

Encryption

• Uses strong encryption standards and supports protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.

Server availability

• 6300+ server network spread across numerous countries, ensuring reliable performance and accessibility.

Pros

• Specialized servers for specific purposes.
• Vast server network.
• No-logs policy.

Cons

• Inconsistent speeds.
• Occasional server overload.
• Limited customer support.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN service offering unlimited simultaneous connections and additional tools like CleanWeb for ad blocking and malware protection.

Plans & Pricing

• Surfshark Starter: $20.89/month.
• Surfshark One: $21.49/month.
• Surfshark One+: $24.29/month.

Discounts available for yearly plans.

Speed

• Typically delivers good connection speeds suitable for streaming, torrenting, and VoIP calls.

Encryption

• Uses strong encryption protocols and offers additional features like MultiHop and CleanWeb for enhanced security and privacy.

Server availability

• 3200+ server network spread in various locations worldwide, providing users with reliable and versatile options.

Pros

• Unlimited devices.
• IP rotation.
• Fast streaming.

Cons

• High latency.
• Limited server network.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a versatile VPN provider with an extensive server network spanning multiple countries, and specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and enhanced privacy.

Plans & Pricing

• Monthly: $12.99/month.
• 6 months: $6.99/month.
• 26 months: $2.19/month.

Up to 45-day money-back guarantee depending on the plan.

Speed

• Generally delivers decent connection speeds, though it may vary based on server load and location.

Encryption

• Uses strong encryption standards like AES-256 and supports multiple protocols like WireGuard for secure connections.

Server availability

• 11,000+ server network spread in 100+ countries worldwide.

Pros

• Specialized servers.
• Dedicated apps for PC, Mac, Chrome, and more.
• No-logs policy.

Cons

• Slow speeds.
• Occasional server congestion.
• Limited customer support.

CTA: Discover Voiply’s custom phone solutions for your business.  Learn More

Optimizing your VoIP VPN Setup: Expert Tips

Setting up a VPN for VoIP calls is quick and simple; however, you may want to optimize your setup further for the best experience possible. 

“Common issues during VoIP VPN setup include latency, jitter, and configuration conflicts,” Yanko says. “Users can address these by optimizing network settings, maintaining a strong internet connection, using Quality of Service (QoS) features, and ensuring correct VPN configuration.” Here are 8 expert tips to help you stay alert and secure:

1. Consider a communication platform that uses end-to-end encryption.
2. Choose a reputable software / VPN  provider.
3. Select a company with nearby servers.
4. Prioritize security. Use VPNs optimized for VoiP traffic like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
5. Enable Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure VoIP calls receive sufficient bandwidth.
6. Optimize network settings to prioritize VoIP traffic.
7. Regularly update VPN software and firmware.
8. Consider a dedicated VoIP VPN. 

Keep Your VoIP Calls Private and Secure with Voiply

Voiply’s Opal Device is specifically created to improve call quality, secure voice calls, and keep your calls private. It’s a plug-and-play option that easily plugs into your VoIP adapater, sets up within minutes, and doesn’t require additional subscriptions. You can use it at home, at the office, or even in coffee shops or other public places to secure public Wifi networks and protect your calls and data. 

Ready to secure your calls? View the Opal Device here.