Best VPN for Iran in 2025
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As of July 2025, NordVPN has proven to be the most reliable and private option for accessing Iranian content abroad. We tested its performance by connecting from several countries to nearby servers and found that Iranian websites, apps, and platforms loaded smoothly with minimal delay. Streaming, browsing, and messaging worked without interruption, and the connection remained stable throughout. While NordVPN doesn’t offer physical servers in Iran, its nearby obfuscated servers handled the task well, keeping our traffic secure and helping us reach the content we needed.
The Iranian government strictly controls internet access, heavily monitoring and censoring online activity. That means popular platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp are often blocked, making it difficult for people in Iran to access free information and just as difficult for people outside the country to stay informed about what’s happening on the ground. Especially since the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict on June 13th, 2025, we’ve seen a surge of interest in VPNs for Iran from users worldwide trying to connect to Iranian news sources, social platforms, and local content.
To help with that, the Cybernews research team and I reviewed 41 VPN providers to determine which are best suited for bypassing Iranian restrictions and staying private online. We dug deep into each provider’s security tools, privacy policies, and their performance on restrictive networks. While we didn’t test these VPNs directly inside Iran due to safety and accessibility issues, we simulated similar network conditions to assess how well each provider holds up. Based on our findings, we’ve selected six VPNs we believe are the most reliable for accessing Iranian content safely and securely, whether you’re in the country or connecting from abroad.
Our top 5 Iran VPNs for 2025 to get an Iranian IP
All the Iran VPNs we selected performed well in our internal tests, covering the most crucial areas of the region. Each service offers top-tier online protection, speedy connections, and effective geo-block removal at a reasonable price.
Provider details will vary, so be sure to read our extensive descriptions or check the comparison table for a side-by-side view.
- NordVPN – most comprehensive VPN for Iran
- Surfshark – trustworthy, effective, and budget-friendly Iran VPN
- CyberGhost – only VPN with servers in Iran
- Proton VPN – robust VPN for Iran with an excellent free tier
- IPVanish – affordable and reliable Iran VPN for unlimited devices
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?
You need the best VPN for Iran primarily because the government severely restricts internet freedom across the region. Western social media websites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram are frequently blocked in Iran to limit freedom of speech. Meanwhile, a VPN allows you to circumvent these limitations because you can route your connection through a country without internet restrictions. Additionally, extra online security is vital due to the escalating political conflicts in the region.
In general, the internet in Iran is strictly monitored and controlled by the government and its various institutions 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. Even high-profile politicians aren’t safe from attacks, as Iran-linked hackers recently targeted Donald Trump.
Besides access to social media and private communication platforms, a VPN is useful to people living in or outside Iran. People worldwide are turning to VPNs to access local Iranian platforms like news outlets, community forums, and social media sites such as Cloob, SoroushPlus Messenger, and Bale. Others may want to stream from platforms like Filimo, Namava, or Aparat. On the flip side, if you're traveling in Iran, a VPN can help you unblock global services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other Western streaming platforms that may be restricted or limited locally.
Best VPNs for Iran – detailed list
After careful testing, the research team and I identified six VPN providers that stand out as the best options for Iran. These VPNs offer strong technical tools to circumvent strict online censorship while keeping your privacy secure. They are also reliable and versatile, so you can use them for more than just bypassing restrictions. Keep reading to find the one that best suits your needs.
Top 1. NordVPN – the ultimate Iran VPN for online protection in 2025
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $3.39/month |
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 7950+ servers in 126 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free Amazon gift card |
Overall, NordVPN stands out as the top VPN choice for Iran. It delivers robust security, prioritizes user privacy, and effectively gets around online restrictions. Plus, its pricing is fair considering the excellent level of service you get.
With the help of obfuscated servers 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. The provider’s recently released NordWhisper protocol is also excellent, as it is made specifically for bypassing online restrictions.
Other features I tested for the NordVPN review were the kill switch and Threat Protection Pro. 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 connection was interrupted. Meanwhile, Threat Protection Pro was beneficial because it informed me whether the sites I visited were safe. It also blocked various intrusive ads, even ones that other VPNs like TotalVPN couldn’t block.
Besides its excellent security features, NordVPN has 7950 servers in 126 countries, some of which are close to Iran. For the best speed and performance, you can connect to one in the UAE, Turkey, Israel, or Georgia. Additionally, there are user-friendly apps for all major operating systems, like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN also encrypts your traffic using AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, depending on your chosen VPN protocol, and its no-logs policy has been audited five times as of July 2025.
NordVPN’s subscription prices start from $3.39/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 3-day trial on Android.
Top 2. Surfshark – robust Iran VPN for budget-conscious users
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $1.99/month |
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is another solid pick for Iran, especially if you need VPN access on many devices. It offers robust security, easily unlocks content, and lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously. It’s also one of the most affordable premium VPNs on the market, and you can save even more with a Surfshark promo code: OFFCN, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
Surfshark offers NoBorders mode, which helps make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. During my Surfshark review, it unblocked social media apps, news websites, and streaming platforms in my area. So, you can expect it to provide a free flow of information in Iran, although I can’t guarantee that for sure. Other features I tested and found useful include a kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks and MultiHop for added security layers. 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, which is excellent for maximum anonymity.
Additionally, Surfshark is excellent to use no matter where you’re from – with 3200 servers in 100 worldwide locations, you can easily find a server near 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, a privacy-friendly location that operates under a strict no-logs policy that was audited twice by Deloitte. It doesn’t monitor or collect information about your private online activities. All data is encrypted with ChaCha20 and AES-256 ciphers so that it isn’t accessible to outsiders.
This VPN is one of the cheapest VPNs available, even when comparing Surfshark vs NordVPN. Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee included. The provider accepts crypto payments via CoinGate. Even better, you can enjoy a free 7-day trial on Mac, iOS, and Android devices before committing to a long-term plan.
Top 3. CyberGhost – affordable VPN offering virtual servers in Iran
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $2.19/month |
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 83% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is an exceptional VPN on this list because it is the only one that offers virtual servers in Iran. This allows you to get an Iranian IP address to access region-specific services like banking sites, social media, streaming services, and various government services like Samat or Mokhaberat.
Like Surfshark, CyberGhost is a cost-effective VPN suitable for many use cases. Initially, I was impressed by its wide variety of specialty servers that you can use to bypass various geographical restrictions more easily. For example, there are streaming servers that are categorized for specific services, such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and more. There are also torrenting and gaming servers to cover other entertainment needs. Regarding privacy, the special NoSpy servers offer improved anonymity since the server hardware is owned and operated directly by CyberGhost. And while the provider doesn’t disclose its exact server numbers, the 100-country coverage is pretty impressive.
My tests for our CyberGhost review uncovered plenty of extra security features to protect your online activities in Iran or abroad. As expected, there’s a kill switch to ensure your actual IP address isn’t leaked. Additionally, you can enable the block content feature to restrict DNS domains used for ads, trackers, and malware. For Windows users, I recommend getting the optional Security Suite that unlocks additional Antivirus and Security Updater capabilities.
If you prioritize connection speeds, the provider offers the open-source WireGuard tunneling protocol. On average, it delivered a download speed retention rate of 85% during our latest speed tests, which is impressive. Other tunneling protocol options include OpenVPN and IKEv2, which are good but not explicitly optimized for security or bypassing online censorship. Moreover, I’m a little disappointed that the VPN only supports 7 simultaneous connections, which is the lowest number compared to its competitors on this list.
You can get CyberGhost for as little as $2.19/month when picking the two-year plan, which comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. Alternatively, the provider offers a wide selection of free trial options depending on your device. For example, Windows and macOS users get a 24-hour trial, while iOS owners get an entire week.
Top 4. Proton VPN – privacy-oriented VPN for Iran with a strong free version
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $3.59/month |
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers/countries: | 13600+ servers in 122 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get up to 64% OFF Proton VPN |
Prioritizing security and user experience, Proton VPN stands out as one of the best freemium options for Iran. With strong security features, reliable unblocking power, and solid device compatibility, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for quality on a budget.
I tested Proton VPN with social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, as well as 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 13600 servers in 122 locations, one of the most expansive server networks in the entire VPN market.
Proton VPN uses ChaCha20 or AES-256 encryption to secure your traffic, depending on your VPN protocol. Both ciphers are industry standards, and top VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN also use them. Crucially, the provider includes a unique Stealth protocol built for bypassing firewalls and other VPN restriction methods, similar to NordVPN’s NordWhisper. I also tested Proton VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection for security. Luckily, the kill switch worked fine, and the VPN masked my IP and DNS well.
Another feature I found helpful was the Tor over VPN servers, which direct your traffic through the Tor network, just like NordVPN’s Onion over VPN. Then there’s Alternative Routing to improve your chances of accessing Proton sites if they’re restricted on your network, which is very likely in countries like Iran. I recommend reading our complete Proton VPN review to learn more about its numerous features.
Proton VPN sets itself apart by offering a free version with unlimited data, but only three server locations are available in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, prices for the paid Proton VPN version start at $3.59/month, which is pricier than leading providers like NordVPN and Surfshark. You can pay in cryptocurrencies, and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Top 5. IPVanish – well-rounded Iran VPN for speed and security
| Rating: | |
| Price: | From $2.19/month |
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 140 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
Like Surfshark, IPVanish is a reliable choice for Iran if you want an affordable VPN that covers unlimited devices. It offers strong security basics along with some handy extra features, all bundled in a budget-friendly plan.
Firstly, IPVanish has around 2400+ servers in its fleet, which is behind NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. However, its 140-country distribution is practically on par with the competition. Moreover, the service easily unblocked many geo-restricted services during our tests described in our IPVanish review. When testing the service in our area, the research team and I had no issues unblocking streaming services like Netflix and communication channels like Telegram.
IPVanish offers two subscription tiers, which makes deciding easier since other leading providers typically provide three options. The cheapest Essential plan includes everything you need to adequately protect your connections in countries like Iran. For example, you’ll have access to a kill switch, split tunneling, and the WireGuard protocol for secure and speedy connections. Additionally, IPVanish recently introduced Double Hop servers, which will route your connection through multiple VPN servers for added protection. You can freely choose your desired entry and exit location for added flexibility.
Some might hesitate to use IPVanish because the service is based in the US, a core member of the Five Eyes alliance. However, Leviathan Security Group audited the service in 2022, while Schellman Compliance audited them again in February 2025. Another noteworthy benefit is Threat Protection, which shares its name and functionality with NordVPN’s tool. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites when the VPN is enabled, although it lacks customization options.
Like Surfshark, IPVanish is affordable, starting at only $2.19/month for the Essential plan. Another great similarity is the 7-day free trial available on the Android and iOS app stores. If that’s not suitable, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Top 6. TotalVPN – worthwhile VPN and antivirus combo for Iran
| Rating: | |
| Price: | $1.59/month |
| Based in: | United Kingdom |
| Servers/countries: | 1800+ servers in 90 countries |
| No-logs policy: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF TotalVPN |
Consider TotalVPN if you’re looking for a VPN that comes packaged with antivirus capabilities at no extra expense. The service isn’t particularly impressive as a standalone VPN, meaning its antivirus features elevate its potential as a viable Iran VPN option.
Regarding the VPN, it has just the essentials to keep your connection secure and private. TotalVPN utilizes AES-256 encryption to secure your data from unwelcome onlookers. Secondly, a kill switch is available to ensure your IP address isn’t exposed whenever the VPN connection falters. As for servers, TotalVPN only offers 1800 servers across 90 countries, which is alright, but the numbers are the lowest compared to other VPNs for Iran.
The provider worked well at unblocking geographical restrictions when we tested it for our TotalVPN review. However, since its server fleet is underwhelming, I can’t guarantee that it will provide reliable results over the long term. Moreover, the meager country variety means it simply can’t access some content that other providers can.
On the plus side, TotalVPN has an antivirus by default, while other providers like Surfshark offer this perk on pricier subscriptions. With TotalVPN, you’ll have real-time antivirus protection, ransomware protection, and the ability to scan your device for malware. Even if your device is clean, the service can clean up unnecessary files to improve the device’s overall performance.
TotalVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs for Iran, starting at only $1.59/month. The package includes Total Adblock and TotalAV for well-rounded online protection. Moreover, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included if you’re unsatisfied with the provider’s results.
Comparing the best VPNs for Iran
| Rating | Servers | Security features | Price from | |
| 1. NordVPN | 7950 servers in 126 countries | Obfuscated servers, Threat Protection Pro, IP leak protection, kill switch, Double VPN, split tunneling | $3.39/month | |
| 2. Surfshark | 3200 servers in 100 countries | NoBorders, SafeBrowse, kill switch, split tunneling, IP leak protection, double VPN | $1.99/month | |
| 3. CyberGhost | Servers in 100 countries | Block content, kill switch, split tunneling, NoSpy servers, Smart rules, Wi-Fi protection | $2.19/month | |
| 4. Proton VPN | 13600 servers in 122 countries | NetShield, Kill switch, Quick Connect, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, Alternative routing | $3.59/month | |
| 5. IPVanish | 2400 servers in 140 countries | Kill switch, split tunneling, Double Hop, Threat Protection, Scramble OpenVPN traffic | $2.19/month | |
| 6. TotalVPN | 1800 servers in 90 countries | Kill switch, Total Adblock, TotalAV | $1.59/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 create 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 VPNs for Iran in 2025, the Cybernews research team and I began by reviewing 41 VPN providers, narrowing the list down through a series of hands-on VPN tests. We began by evaluating the core security features of each service, such as kill switches, DNS leak protection, and built-in ad blockers. These tools are essential for users in restrictive regions like Iran, where online activity may be monitored, tracked, and severely limited.
Once we established a security baseline, we moved on to speed tests using proprietary and external evaluation tools like Speedtest by Ookla. Using servers close to Iran, such as in Turkey and the UAE, we measured how each VPN affected download and upload speeds and stability during regular web activities. Speed is crucial, especially when users rely on VPNs for online privacy, accessing blocked news sources, or communicating on restricted platforms.
Next, we tested how well each VPN could bypass online censorship and geographical restrictions. This included attempting to access platforms that are often restricted in Iran, such as social media apps, news websites, and global streaming services. We paid special attention to whether the VPNs offered obfuscation through special servers or tunneling protocols, which are essential for evading detection in high-censorship regions.
Privacy policies were also a key part of our evaluation. We reviewed each provider's logging practices to ensure they don’t retain user activity data, and we considered their legal jurisdictions and past transparency reports. From there, we analyzed server network quality – specifically, the range of nearby countries, server reliability, and whether any advanced configurations like Double VPN or RAM-only servers were available.
All of these factors were weighed with a focus on what matters most for users in Iran: strong censorship resistance, robust privacy protections, and reliable performance. We followed our broader VPN testing framework throughout the process but tailored our ranking to prioritize features critical for users navigating Iran’s restricted internet.
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Privacy and security (30%). A VPN for Iran must ensure reliable online security and privacy to protect users from various dangers in the region. This aspect includes fundamental technical features like strong encryption, modern tunneling protocols, and DNS leak protection. However, we also strongly considered other factors that highlight trustworthiness, such as the provider’s country of origin, independent audits, and confidentiality assurances like the privacy policy and anonymous payment support.
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Server availability (30%). A wide range of servers worldwide is crucial for users in Iran who want to reliably unblock foreign content. Additionally, a VPN with many servers has a better chance of ensuring optimal connection speeds for the greatest number of users since they’ll have more server options nearby. For this article, the research team and I paid special attention to countries near Iran, although overall numbers and specialty server categories were also vital considerations.
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Connection speeds (25%). Internet freedom shouldn’t come at the cost of convenience in the form of abysmal connection speeds. That’s why we selected only the fastest VPNs that performed well in internal speed tests. This aspect also includes the server network, which is vital to guaranteeing speedy connections worldwide.
- Pricing (15%). It shouldn’t surprise you that the most reliable VPNs for Iran are paid. After all, most free VPNs don’t have the resources to offer strong enough features to bypass Iran’s heavy censorship measures. Even so, we picked multiple VPNs across various price points to accommodate users on any budget. In short, we prioritized the price-to-performance balance.
Internet censorship in Iran
According to the latest 2025 report by Freedom House, Iran only has an 11/100 overall freedom score, which gives it the “not free” label. It’s the same score as it was in 2024, although in 2023, it was 12/100. This means using a VPN in Iran is more important than ever to preserve your freedom and privacy. Additionally, the overall internet freedom score has remained 12/100 for many years, meaning not much has changed regarding internet censorship and restrictions.
Another organization that highlights Iran’s severe censorship is Reporters Without Borders, which ranks the country as one of the worst in terms of freedom available to journalists. Reporters in the country are frequently harassed, unfairly imprisoned, and given harsh sentences simply for reporting the facts.
In general, the country blocks services like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, X, and even YouTube. The government does so because it believes foreign forces manipulate these websites. Naturally, the real reason is to stifle freedom of speech and to limit the people’s ability to mass protest.
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 authorities explicitly authorize the use. However, it is unclear how the government is enforcing the VPN ban and what consequences people face if they are 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.
Final verdict
Iran’s strict internet censorship, widespread surveillance, and harsh penalties make VPNs essential for anyone needing reliable and private internet access. A trustworthy VPN keeps your online activities hidden from outsiders and helps bypass restrictions to access blocked services nationwide. That said, since VPN use is illegal in Iran, picking only the most secure and dependable providers is crucial to stay safe and avoid trouble.
NordVPN leads the pack as the best VPN for Iran. It offers strong encryption, advanced security tools like Threat Protection Pro, and multiple independent audits that support its privacy and security commitment. Whether you’re inside Iran trying to access the open internet or outside the country wanting to connect to Iranian websites and services, NordVPN delivers consistent performance.
For those on a tighter budget, Surfshark is a great alternative, and Proton VPN stands out as a reliable free option without compromising essential security. Lastly, if you really need an Iranian IP address, CyberGhost is the only reliable service offering this feature.
FAQ
Which VPN works best 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 to access Iranian websites?
You can access most Iranian websites using a VPN that offers servers in nearby regions like Turkey, the UAE, or Georgia. Many providers don’t have servers in Iran, but one exception is CyberGhost, a reliable VPN that offers virtual Iranian servers, thus unblocking even more online services from Iran.
Is NordVPN available 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 using a VPN illegal in Iran?
Yes, VPN use is illegal in Iran, meaning you can get in trouble using it in the country. However, you’re less likely to be detected if you download and install a VPN app before going to Iran. You must also use obfuscation to mask the VPN connection. Note that even the best VPNs for Iran might not always work there.
