Best VPNs for Iran in 2024
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In Iran, internet access is heavily restricted and controlled by the government. Sites like Facebook, X (former Twitter), Telegram, WhatsApp, and Western news media are blocked, and citizen communications are under surveillance at all times. If you want to get an Iranian IP address for communication or are a resident there looking to access blocked websites, getting a secure Iran VPN with powerful obfuscation and unblocking capabilities is crucial.
To help you find a VPN that will keep you safe online in Iran and ensure secure communication with the rest of the world, together with the Cybernews expert research team, I tested 41 providers. In the article, you will find a list of the best Iran VPNs in 2024 as well as helpful guides on how to download and install VPN apps to your device.
Best Iran VPNs in 2024
- NordVPN – the best Iran VPN to securely unblock social media
- Surfshark – best Iran VPN for unlimited devices
- PureVPN – top VPN for Iran to browse the internet privately
- CyberGhost – best VPN for Iran IP address
- ExpressVPN – great Iran VPN for safe and fast connections
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Why do I need a VPN in Iran?
Simply put, if you want to enjoy Internet freedom and online security in Iran as you would in other parts of the world, you need a high-quality VPN for Iran. The reason for that is that the Iranian government frequently blocks access to many Western social media websites, which include everyday communication platforms like Facebook, X (former Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram.
In general, the internet in Iran is strictly monitored and controlled by the government or other powerful entities, to the degree that expressing opposing or dissenting opinions can lead to persecution. Journalists and activists working in Iran should especially consider using a VPN for secure communication.
Additionally, besides access to social media and communication platforms, a VPN could prove useful to both those outside and those living in Iran. Someone outside Iran might want to access Iranian social media like Cloob, SoroushPlus Messenger, and Bale, or streaming services such as Filimo, Namava, and Aparat. For those traveling in Iran, a VPN can unblock US streaming sites like Hulu or Max, as well as Netflix and other streaming services.
Iran is one of the few countries that heavily restricts VPN usage to curb freedom of speech. That means most VPN services might not work in the country as efficiently as elsewhere worldwide. As such, I recommend picking VPNs with multiple features to bypass digital censorship. This can include Tor over VPN, Stealth VPN, security-focused VPN protocols, and more.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Iran precisely because it has numerous features for tackling digital restrictions. You can use Onion over VPN and Obfuscated servers to effectively secure your VPN connections. Just remember to install the VPN app before visiting the country, or you’ll have difficulty downloading the service.
The best VPNs for Iran – detailed list
Below you’ll find a list of best VPNs for Iran. With the help of the research team, I examine them in detail by taking into consideration the security and privacy features, unblocking capabilities, pricing, and more.
1. NordVPN – the most secure premium VPN for Iran in 2024
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 6900+ servers in 113 countries |
| No-logs policy | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
All things considered, NordVPN is the best Iran VPN. It offers strong security, values user privacy, and can help you bypass restrictions. In addition, its price is reasonable given the high quality of provided services.
With the help of obfuscation and other security features, NordVPN can easily bypass restrictions and help you unblock social media apps, like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and others. I tested NordVPN to see how well it unblocks websites, and it allowed me to access streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and others in various geo-restricted locations.
Other NordVPN features that I tested were the kill switch and Threat Protection. These features are essential for your privacy and safety online. In my tests, the kill switch successfully blocked my access to the internet when the secure connection was interrupted. The Threat Protection feature was especially useful because it informed me if the sites I was trying to visit were safe. It also blocked all kinds of intrusive ads, even ones that other VPNs like CyberGhost couldn’t block.
Besides excellent security features, NordVPN also has 6900 servers in 113 countries, with some close to Iran. You can connect to one in the UAE, Turkey, Israel, or Georgia for the best speed and performance. In addition, there are user-friendly apps for all major devices, like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN also encrypts your traffic using ChaCha20 encryption and its no-logs policy has been audited multiple times.
The subscription prices of NordVPN start from $2.99/month for 10 simultaneous connections and you can pay with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee and can even try it beforehand with a free 7-day trial on Android.
Read more in the NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – best paid Iran VPN for unlimited devices
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| No logs policy | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE |
Surfshark is another of the best Iran VPN, especially if you want to use it on multiple devices. It has strong security features, great content unblocking capabilities, and can be used on any number of devices at the same time.
Surfshark offers the Camouflage Mode which helps to make your VPN traffic look like regular Internet traffic. During my tests, it unblocked social media apps, news websites, and streaming platforms without any issues. So, you can count on it to provide you with a free flow of information in Iran. Other features I tested and found really useful included a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks and obfuscation to remain undetected. I also liked that there are some extras for additional protection, like an IP Rotator which regularly assigns you a new IP address without disrupting the secure connection – great for maximum anonymity.
Additionally, Surfshark is great to use no matter where you’re from – with 3200 servers in 100 worldwide locations, you can easily find a server next to Iran, like Azerbaijan, Armenia, UAE, Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt. Unfortunately, Surfshark doesn’t offer servers in Iran itself.
Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands, which is a privacy-friendly location and operates under a strict no-logs policy. It doesn’t monitor or collect information about your private online activities. On top of that, all data is encrypted with an advanced ChaCha20 cipher so that it wouldn’t be accessible to outsiders.
Surfshark is one of the cheapest best VPNs available, especially when compared to expensive providers like ExpresVPN. Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee included. The provider accepts crypto payments via CoinGate or CoinPayments. What’s even better is that you can also enjoy a free 7-day trial on Mac, iOS, and Android devices before committing to a long-term plan.
Read more about thisVPN in the Surfshark review. Also check out how it compares to NordVPN in the Surfshark vs NordVPN review.
3. PureVPN – privacy-focused and secure VPN for Iran
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 6000+ servers in 65 countries |
| No logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months |
PureVPN is also among the best VPNs for Iran, especially since it is a VPN provider that’s always on audit. Its main focus is helping users remain anonymous and protect their sensitive information.
During my tests, PureVPN unblocked geo-restricted streaming content on Netflix and Hulu, as well as social media like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. For unblocking content while in Iran, I also recommend using the obfuscation features, especially for social media or news sites. I also tested PureVPN’s kill switch and was pleased to find that it worked properly. This means that you can use the VPN safely without fear that your IP or DNS addresses will be exposed.
To ensure that your data can’t be tracked, PureVPN uses ChaCha20 encryption, just like NordVPN and Surfshark. In addition, its no-logs policy is always on audit, something that NordVPN doesn’t have, which means that PureVPN can face audits at any time and without prior notice to verify compliance. This makes it extra private and secure to use if you’re worried about your anonymity and data privacy.
You can use PureVPN on any device since it’s compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android gadgets. The apps are intuitive and there are 6000 servers in 65 locations to choose from. PureVPN doesn’t have servers in Iran, so I recommend connecting to nearby servers in Afghanistan, UAE, and Turkey.
PureVPN plan pricing starts from $2.14/month for 10 devices and you can pay in cryptocurrencies. It even offers an extended money-back guarantee of 31 days that you can always use to get a full refund.
Read more about this product in the PureVPN review.
4. CyberGhost – a good VPN for Iran with versatile security features
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | 11500+ servers in 100 countries |
| No logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 83% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE |
CyberGhost is another secure and reliable option to unlock content in Iran. By combining an effective privacy policy with functional security features and over 11500 servers in 100 countries, including Iran, CyberGhost is a good Iran VPN option.
I tested CyberGhost with the most popular streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, and I could easily access them. I found that the VPN also works with social media platforms like Telegram or Facebook, so it is just as good as NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Unlike NordVPN though, CyberGhost has a server in Iran, so the chances that you’ll be able to access Iranian media are also pretty high.
I also tested some other CyberGhost features, like the ad blocker. Unfortunately, the ad blocker didn’t work that well, because some ads like banners or gifs were still visible. So even if it does block some ads, CyberGhost’s ad blocker is definitely not as good as NordVPN’s Threat Protection. Nevertheless, other features like the NoSpy servers are pretty good to have for anonymity and privacy.
Speaking of privacy, CyberGhost operates in Romania, which is known for refusing to implement the EU's data retention laws. As a result, CyberGhost does not log any of your private data and has independent audits to prove it.
Best of all, CyberGhost is a really cheap provider. The price starts at $2.19/month, which is close to what NordVPN or Surfshark costs. Additionally, you get money-back guarantees.
For more information, read the CyberGhost review.
5. ExpressVPN – great VPN to ensure security and privacy in Iran
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 3000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Free plan: | No |
| Current deal: | Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is one of my top choices for Iran. Its impressive connection speeds, independent no-logs policy, and excellent unblocking abilities allow you to enjoy internet freedom while staying safe and anonymous online.
ExpressVPN has many security features that I found useful for online privacy and security. In my tests, ExpressVPN unblocked social media and streaming services pretty easily. Unfortunately, even with 105server locations across the world, Express VPN doesn’t have Iranian servers. Nevertheless, unblocking sites in other countries with ExpressVPN should be relatively easy.
Other ExpressVPN features that I tested were the kill switch and Threat Manager. The kill switch worked as it was supposed to, and the Threat Manager successfully blocked ads and malicious sites. On top of that, ExpressVPN comes with both AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers. They provide the highest level of encryption and will secure data no matter your device.
Since ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, it is not subjected to any data retention laws. As a result, the provider uses a strict independently-audited no-logs policy. Independent security audits have proven that ExpressVPN can guarantee you full peace of mind from government surveillance.
ExpressVPN prices start at $4.99/month, which is more expensive than the top VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN. The price might be too high considering that ExpressVPN doesn’t have obfuscation. However, all plans come with a 30-money-back guarantee, so you can test the waters before committing. ExpressVPN also accepts payment via PayPal, Bitcoin, and other options like UnionPay.
Read the ExpressVPN review for more information. Take a look at the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.
6. Proton VPN – the best feature-rich free VPN for Iran
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 9200+ servers in 112 countries |
| No logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get up to 70% OFF ProtonVPN |
Focused on security and bringing the best experience to its users, Proton VPN is one of the best freemium Iran VPNs. Advanced security features, excellent unblocking capabilities, and good compatibility with various devices make it a near-perfect VPN for those with a tight budget.
I tested Proton VPN with various social media sites, such as Facebook, and Instagram, and even streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. The results were excellent, and Proton VPN easily unblocked all these sites. However, you probably won’t have much luck accessing Iranian sites and media, since Proton VPN doesn’t offer any servers in Iran. Nevertheless, you can connect to one of the 9200 servers in any of the 112 locations.
Proton VPN uses ChaCha20 and AES-256 encryption to secure your traffic. Both ciphers are considered industry standards, and top VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN also use them both. For security, I also tested Proton VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection. Luckily, the kill switch worked fine, and the VPN masked my IP and DNS well. Another feature I found pretty useful was the Tor over VPN feature which directs your traffic through the Tor network. The alternate routing feature will automatically kick in once the app detects that your connection is subject to VPN blocks and will try to find alternative routes.
Proton VPN has a free version with unlimited data, but only three server locations in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. With the paid plans, you’ll get access to over 4400 servers worldwide. Prices for the paid Proton VPN version start at $2.99/month, which is cheaper than Windscribe and with more servers. You can pay in cryptocurrencies and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more about this product in the ProtonVPN review.
7. Windscribe – good free VPN for privacy in Iran
| Based in: | Canada |
| Servers/countries: | 480+ servers in 69 countries |
| No logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 55% OFF! |
Windscribe is a good VPN for Iran with a security and privacy-first approach. With excellent security features, transparency reports, and a functional and convenient free version, it is one of the best options for Iranian users.
This VPN is known to be fairly good at unblocking streaming services. When I tested it, Windscribe unblocked social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and streaming services like Netflix. Unfortunately, Windscribe doesn’t have any servers in Iran, so unblocking Iranian content won’t be possible. In fact, this VPN has a pretty low server number in general: 480 servers in 69 countries, which is almost nothing when you compare it to the number of servers that NordVPN has.
Like many other VPNs, including NordVPN, Windscribe uses ChaCha20 encryption, known by now as one of the most secure ciphers. Security features include a firewall, not found in any other VPN, split tunneling, and obfuscation. Some other features that I found useful for anonymity and security include a double VPN which makes tracing your IP address more difficult. I also tested the safe browsing feature called R.O.B.E.R.T. and found that it successfully blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
Windscribe’s no-logs policy hasn’t been audited, but Windscribe regularly publishes transparency reports, so in some sense, this VPN could be as trustworthy as audited VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark. However, having an independently audited no-logs policy is still better than not having one.
Windscribe offers a free version with servers in 11 countries, including Turkey, which is the closest VPN location to Iran. The free version limits data to 10GB per month, which is not the case with the Proton VPN free version. The paid Windscribe version prices start at $5.75/month and the provider accepts crypto payments; unfortunately, the money-back guarantee is only three days, so if you’re looking to use a VPN without risk for longer than that, I recommend choosing a different provider.
Learn more about this product in the Windscribe review.
Best Iran VPNs compared
| Rating | Servers | Security features | Price from | |
| NordVPN | 6900 servers in 113 countries | Obfuscated servers, Threat Protection, IP leak protection, kill switch, double VPN, split tunneling | $2.99/month | |
| Surfshark | 3200 servers in 100 countries | Obfuscation, SafeBrowse, kill switch, split tunneling, IP leak protection, double VPN | $1.99/month | |
| PureVPN | 6000 servers in 65 countries | Kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation | $2.14/month | |
| CyberGhost | 11500 servers in 100 countries | Kill switch, ad blocker, NoSpy servers, split tuneling | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | Servers in 105 countries | Split tunneling, obfuscation, Threat Manager | $4.99/month | |
| Proton VPN | 9200 servers in 112 countries | NetShield, Kill switch, Quick Connect, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, Alternate routing | $2.99/month | |
| Windscribe | 480 servers in 69 countries | Firewall, split tunneling, double VPN, ad blocker, obfuscation | $5.75/month |
How to download a VPN for Iran
Ideally, you should download a VPN before going to Iran, because installing a VPN app could be difficult once you’re in the country. Follow the step-by-step guide below on how to download and install a VPN for Iran easily:
- Choose an Iran VPN. I recommend NordVPN.
- Choose a VPN subscription plan and make an account.
- Download and install the VPN app from the official website or an app store. You can also download an APK file for Android devices.
- Launch the app, log in, and connect to a VPN server.
- If you downloaded an APK file, open it and follow the installation instructions.
- Log in and connect to a VPN server.
How we tested Iran VPNs
To find the best Iran VPN in 2024, the Cybernews research team and I tested and evaluated 41 VPN providers. We performed some in-house tests for security features like the kill switch, ad blockers, and IP leak protection. Additionally, we tested VPN speeds, looked into their privacy policies and server networks, and, most importantly, checked how well these VPNs can unblock geo-restricted content.
All tests were performed on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. For leak protection and kill switch tests, we use the IPLeak website, and speed tests are done using the Speedtest by Ookla online tool. You can find more information on how we test VPNs.
- Servers in or near Iran. We examined and took note of how many servers in Iran or nearby countries like Turkey, Afghanistan, UAE and others a VPN provider offers. Being able to connect to a nearby country will ensure better speeds and Iranian servers are important for accessing Iranian media from abroad.
- Unblocking capabilities. To ensure that the selected VPNs can provide access to blocked content, we performed numerous tests with each VPN by connecting to servers in several different locations. We tried to access various geo-blocked sites, like social media, streaming services, news outlets, and more.
- Obfuscation. Obfuscation helps mask VPN connections from government surveillance. We tested how well the obfuscation mode or servers work with each VPN by checking for IP leaks and trying to access services that don’t allow VPNs.
- Other privacy and security features. We tested the VPNs’ security features like the kill switch, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, as well as ad and malicious site blockers. We looked into each provider’s no-logs policies and jurisdictions to ensure the safety of your privacy with these providers.
- Speed and compatibility. We performed in-house testing for VPN speeds, testing each provider in different locations and calculating the average speed retention rate (%). Additionally, we took note of how many simultaneous connections each VPN allows, and the devices that it is compatible with.
- Price to value ratio. After all the testing was done, I considered the amount and quality of features, servers, and overall functionality of the providers and their pricing to ensure that I could recommend the best VPNs for the best price.
Internet censorship in Iran
The Freedom in the World 2023 report by the Freedom House for Iran shows that the Internet Freedom rating is 11/100. In the report, it’s stated that many platforms are blocked, and all internet networks are restricted and highly controlled by the Iranian government. It blocks some Western websites which they consider to be anti-Islamic and counter-revolutionary. Also, people can’t access Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media and networking sites/apps in Iran.
Additionally, because of strict government regulations and surveillance, people who use the internet to inform the world about the abuse of power in Iran and criticize the leadership, such as activists and journalists, are frequently arrested. There have been threats and attempts to harm these users as well.
Is it legal to use a VPN in Iran?
No, using a VPN in Iran is illegal. According to the Iranian government using a VPN is banned unless the use was explicitly authorized by authorities. However, it is yet unclear how the government is enforcing the VPN ban, and what consequences people face if found using a VPN. Therefore, use a VPN in Iran at your own risk – the author of this article is not responsible for what happens or doesn’t happen if you choose to use a VPN in Iran.
Conclusion
Since the Iranian government is forcefully trying to control the flow of information, a VPN becomes an essential tool to regain Internet freedom. All things considered, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Iran. It can help you bypass restrictions on apps and websites to access all information.
Additionally, with strong security features – like advanced encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch – this VPN is especially useful for protecting your private data from tracking.
All in all, I support and encourage free access to information as well as believe in the right to privacy. An Iran VPN can help you achieve exactly that but it’s essential to follow the latest updates regarding the VPN laws to avoid legal repercussions.
FAQ
What is the best VPN for Iran?
Based on my research, the best VPN for Iran is NordVPN. It offers essential security features, like a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy to help you avoid government surveillance in Iran. In addition, it has obfuscated servers that you can use to circumvent Internet censorship and access social media apps.
How do I get an Iranian IP?
You can get an Iranian IP address by using the best VPN for Iranian users with servers in neighboring countries of Iran, such as NordVPN. It provides you with servers in UAE, Turkey, Israel, Georgia, and more.
Which VPN app has Iran IP?
There aren’t many VPNs that have servers in Iran due to strict restrictions. However, CyberGhost has 14 servers in Iran as well as over 11500 in 100 countries in total. So, you can get both an Iranian IP address and any other country IP address with this VPN.
Can I use NordVPN in Iran?
Yes, you can use NordVPN in Iran, but to ensure that it really works I recommend downloading and installing the app before you travel. Since VPNs are illegal in Iran, only connect to obfuscated servers for maximum security and to avoid being detected by the Iranian government.
Is it safe to use a VPN in Iran?
No, it’s not very safe to use a VPN in Iran, since using VPNs in Iran is now illegal. However, if you still want to use a VPN in Iran, I recommend downloading and installing a VPN app before going to Iran and connecting only to obfuscated servers to mask the VPN connection.
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