Iran is unsafe for certain people because of its authoritarian regime and lack of civil liberties. The government monitors online activities, blocks websites, and goes after citizens who step out of line. Luckily, you can fix this injustice with a VPN for Iran.
With a virtual private network, you can avoid senseless curbs and access restricted content on streaming platforms and websites. Additionally, you can communicate securely with your close ones by combining safe VoIP services and a VPN. Not to mention, a VPN encrypts your data, so neither the government nor hackers can invade your privacy and security.
How to get the best VPN for Iran
- Sign up for a trustworthy Iran VPN. Our #1 suggestion is NordVPN, now 63% off!
- Download the VPN software on your device
- Connect to a server in a foreign country to access blocked content
- Access blocked content and avoid surveillance in Iran!
Want to bypass restrictions securely in Iran? Keep on reading and pick the best VPN for the job!
Best VPN for Iran: shortlist
- The best VPN for Iran9.7
- Iran VPN with cutting-edge features9.6
- Cheap and effective VPN for Iran9.4
- Iran VPN with a free version9.3
- Privacy-focused VPN for Iran8.9
Why do you need a VPN in Iran?
For starters, internet freedom is extremely limited in Iran. The Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) is entirely state-owned, meaning they can follow your online activities anytime. Additionally, they can ban various websites and platforms, like YouTube, Netflix, BBC, or Apple Pay, on a whim. Moreover, finding a safe communication channel might be difficult and dangerous amidst protests.
So, how can a virtual private network help you out? Primarily, the best VPN will encrypt your data and hide your real IP address. That way, your Iranian ISP won’t be able to track your activities, making you safer. Moreover, hackers will have a hard time snooping around your data, so you can easily avoid data leaks.
Furthermore, a VPN for Iran will give you access to the free internet by unblocking websites globally. It will hide your actual IP address and change your location. That way, you can watch the news on BBC, DW, and CNN or browse on Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok.
Lastly, suppose you’re a journalist or a privacy-savvy Iranian citizen. In that case, you can make your chats or calls more anonymous with a VPN. You can stay confidential by combining a reliable service and the most secure messaging app. This will ensure that you avoid any unwanted trouble with the Iranian government.
Best VPNs for Iran: overview
If you want to bypass VPN blocks and other curbs in Iran, you’ll need a top-tier service with Stealth VPN technology. Furthermore, a reliable service should offer all essential security features and a zero-logs policy. Additionally, we took things like speed, number of servers, and affordability into consideration as well.
1. NordVPN – the #1 VPN service for Iran
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
5700
60
1,194 Mbit/s
- Fast with NordLynx
- Obfuscated servers for extra security
- Independently-audited no-logs policy
- Only six simultaneous connections
NordVPN is the best VPN for security and unlocking restricted content in Iran. Best of all, it has a 7-day NordVPN trial on the Google Play Store if you need a risk-free test ride.
Firstly, the service runs a massive fleet of 5700+ servers in 60+ countries. Plus, all servers use RAM-only hardware to avoid storing data on hard drives. Meanwhile, obfuscated servers work great at masking your VPN traffic in restrictive regions. At the same time, connectivity remains excellent with the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol.
Additionally, besides typical VPN protection, NordVPN goes the extra mile with Threat Protection. This feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and other computer viruses. On the other hand, bonus entertainment potential is granted by unlocking foreign content libraries on streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
Thus, get the best the VPN industry has to offer by subscribing to this service for only $3.29/month. Don’t forget to grab a NordVPN coupon for mind-blowing savings. Plus, you can always reconsider, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – Iran VPN with amazing global coverage
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
3200
100
883 Mbit/s
- Loads of features at an affordable price
- Unlimited device connections
- Most diverse country selection
- Unaudited no-logs policy
Surshark VPN is the top provider if you need online security for unlimited users. Moreover, it’s one of the fastest VPNs and doesn’t impose simultaneous connection limits. Additionally, you can give it a try by claiming the 7-day Surfshark trial on the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Furthermore, the network spans an impressive 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries. Also, users can choose between regular, Static IP, and MultiHop locations to suit their needs. Whichever they choose, connection speeds will remain top-notch with the presence of WireGuard.
In addition, customers can use the numerous Surfshark features to enhance their VPN experience. For starters, CleanWeb wipes away ads, online trackers, and even malware. Also, NoBorders and Camouflage modes effectively deal with digital borders and other restrictions. And if that’s not enough, you can unlock antivirus capabilities with the Surfshark One package.
So, protect everyone you know with one account by subscribing to this service for only $2.30/month. Don’t forget to use a Surfshark coupon to get the best possible savings. Lastly, keep in mind that your purchase is insured with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – budget-friendly Iran VPN
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP
200
63
140 Mbit/s
- Port forwarding for improved torrenting
- Stealth VPN to get around VPN blocks
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Lacks WireGuard
Staying protected online in Iran shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Therefore, we’re grateful for cheap providers like PrivateVPN. The service brings many features for various use cases at an affordable price. Additionally, it’s one of the best VPNs with dedicated IP servers.
Furthermore, PrivateVPN operates a humble fleet of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. Moreover, slow connectivity is avoided by utilizing High Quality Network – the practice of buying internet capacity directly from IP transit providers. Plus, using PrivateVPN won’t be an issue in Iran, thanks to the Stealth VPN technology.
Additionally, one PrivateVPN subscription allows customers to protect up to 10 different devices simultaneously. Meanwhile, the service is compatible with computers, mobile devices, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Not to mention, users can cover other platforms by installing the VPN on a router. Then any network-connected device gains the benefits of a VPN connection.
Hence, get cheap and effective digital security in Iran by grabbing this provider for $2.00/month. The best possible deals are available using PrivateVPN discount codes. If you’re not satisfied, take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
4. Atlas VPN – most affordable VPN for Iran
WireGuard, IKEv2
1000
42
- Well-performing free version
- Lightning-fast with WireGuard
- Limitless connections
- No router configuration
Atlas VPN is the most cost-effective VPN provider you can get in Iran. Prices are meager, even though a subscription grants tremendous benefits.
First off, the network spans 1000+ servers in 42+ countries. Also, for added convenience, the locations are categorized into regular, streaming, and Privacy Pro servers. Plus, whichever you choose, download and upload speeds will remain blazing fast with the help of WireGuard.
Moreover, the first worthwhile security feature with Atlas VPN is SafeSwap. It periodically changes your IP address without interrupting your connection. If that’s not enough, MultiHop+ will rotate your IP address and reroute the connection through multiple servers in different locations. Besides these, you should also enable the kill switch, Tracker Blocker, and Data Breach Monitor.
Familiarize yourself with this service using the free version. Alternatively, use an Atlas VPN coupon code and get the full package for only $1.82/month. If you’re not satisfied, the 30-day money-back guarantee has your back.
For a deeper investigation of Atlas VPN, read our Atlas VPN review.
5. VyprVPN – privacy-respecting VPN for Iran
WireGuard, Chameleon, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec
700
64
78 Mbit/s
- Great speeds
- Independently-audited no-logs policy
- Chameleon protocol
- On a pricier side
Swiss-based VyprVPN is well known for impeccable security and privacy practices. The provider has an independently-audited zero-logs policy, which makes it perfect for confidentiality-seeking Iranians.
Additionally, VyprVPN covers 64+ countries with 700+ pieces of hardware. Plus, they are all self-owned, meaning no third party can tamper with the provider’s servers. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy stable and fast connectivity, thanks to the trusty WireGuard tunneling protocol. Moreover, VyprVPN has Chameleon protocol, which is essentially Stealth VPN technology.
Meanwhile, ad & malware blockers will fend off any unwanted guests. Not to mention, VyprVPN offers 30 simultaneous connections, which you can share with your friends and family in Iran. Also, you can unblock extensive content libraries on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many other platforms.
You can get a VyprVPN subscription for $5.00/month. Luckily, you can save some cash with a special discount coupon. Additionally, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of VyprVPN, read our VyprVPN review.
How we picked the best VPN for Iran
Each virtual private network use case has different needs and priorities. Hence, here are the criteria we considered vital when compiling this list of VPN services for Iran.
- Security. Users in Iran primarily should be concerned with digital safety. A VPN covers that aspect with NASA-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. However, don’t forego bonus features against ads, trackers, and malware.
- Privacy. A virtual private network should adhere to a strict zero-logs policy to prevent data exposure and unnecessary risk. Plus, you can be certain a provider does that when it’s outside the Five Eyes alliance and has conducted a third-party audit.
- Servers. While most providers don’t have Iran VPN servers, a wide-reaching network provides great connectivity practically everywhere. For example, VPNs with servers in Turkey grant fast connections in Iran and excellent Netflix unblocking capabilities.
- Speed. Besides servers, VPN connection speeds are influenced by available tunneling protocols. WireGuard and its proprietary versions are currently the fastest. Additionally, you can check the connectivity of some providers through our VPN speed testing tool.
- Price. Peak performance and reliability are available with premium virtual private networks. However, there’s no need to go overboard and purchase the most expensive option. Hence, you can choose cheap VPN services and specialized providers for specific use cases for only a few dollars per month.
Are VPNs legal in Iran?
Unfortunately, using a VPN is illegal in Iran. After anti-government protests in 2017-2018, Teheran has tightened the noose on virtual private network usage. According to Iran, it prevents locals from accessing “immoral” foreign websites and social networks.
Additionally, getting caught using a VPN might result in fines and imprisonment. Nevertheless, according to the Iranian parliament, over 80% of locals use tools to bypass internet filtering and censorship anyways.
How to pay for an Iranian VPN?
Unfortunately, buying a VPN in Iran is not as easy as it is in other countries. That’s because most payment options are out of the question due to various restrictions. Thus, using a Mastercard, Visa, or PayPal is impossible. Moreover, most VPN sites are blocked, so getting a VPN easily is not an option.
However, there’s a way around it. You can use cryptocurrencies to pay for a VPN. For example, NordVPN, Surfshark, or Atlas VPN accept crypto, so you can buy Iranian virtual private network safely and anonymously. In addition, you can find alternative domains that let you download VPN APK files. If you want to use this method, follow the guide below:
- Download a VPN from an alternative domain. Our #1 crypto accepting service is NordVPN, currently 63% off!
- Pick a plan that fits your needs the most
- Select Cryptocurrencies in the payment method section
- Finish up your purchase and use a VPN in Iran!
What’s blocked in Iran?
Sadly, people who live or reside in Iran don’t have many internet freedoms. The majority of Western media, websites, and apps are banned and unavailable. And the main reason behind it is to control the masses and prevent uprisings.
Hence, if you’re curious, here are but a few blocked apps, platforms, and websites that are blocked in Iran:
| Category | Banned or restricted apps & websites |
| News | BBC, DW, NBC, CNN, CBS |
| Entertainment | Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram |
| Messaging & VoIP communication | Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp |
| Pornography | XHamser, GayMaleTube, PornHub |
| Payment services | PayPal, Apple Pay, Square, Visa |
Luckily, you can access these and many other websites with a reliable Iran VPN. Additionally, it will ensure your safety and privacy on the web, so you won’t get in trouble with the local government. Thus, enjoy the free internet!
Access blocked content with NordVPN
How to connect to a server in Iran?
With the protests came severe restrictions. Local Iranians report that the government is shutting down the internet from 4 PM to 12 AM. In addition, due to curbs, using a VPN might be difficult. Therefore, if you have problems connecting to a server, tech-savvy Reddit users found a solution to prevent connectivity issues:
As you can see, you need to switch your tunneling protocol. If you’re a NordVPN user, what you have to do is:
- Go to Preferences in the NordVPN application
- Head to General and find VPN Protocol options
- Choose OpenVPN (TCP) instead of other options
- Join a server of your choice. We recommend Turkey or Georgia for better connectivity
- Now you can browse privately and securely!
Avoid restrictions with NordVPN
VPN issues in Iran
The excessive online censorship and surveillance in Iran can make it difficult to get a VPN up and running. Therefore, we recommend getting familiar with the many potential issues and their solutions. Of course, you can always contact customer service immediately and not go through this rigmarole yourself.
In any case, here are the potential problems you’ll come across when using a VPN in Iran.
- Blocked IP addresses. The Iranian government could be blocking foreign or VPN IP addresses. Therefore, try using a different one by reconnecting to another server.
- IP and DNS leaks. A poor VPN connection results in IP leaks and the exposure of your true location. Then you’ll have no chance of unblocking foreign content or staying anonymous. Thus, make sure your IP leak protection and kill switch are on.
- Restricted VPN traffic. Authoritarian regimes frequently use DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) to snuff out VPN traffic. Hence, make sure your VPN provider has Stealth VPN capabilities and can bypass VPN blocks.
- Internet outages. A favorite in the authoritarian playbook is shutting down the internet during political unrest. Sadly, a VPN won’t help if there’s no service in your area.
- Outdated software. Sometimes the issue is on the users’ side. It can be a firewall blocking VPN traffic, outdated applications, or driver problems. Thus, renew your software and see how it goes.
Can I use a free VPN in Iran?
A free VPN for Iran sounds like the perfect thing. After all, internet freedom shouldn’t come at a price. However, no-cost services always have some drawbacks. And when it comes to virtual private networks in regions like Iran, it’s better to be safe (with a premium VPN) than sorry.
Firstly, free VPNs don’t have strong enough security to ensure protection against mass surveillance by the government. Additionally, you’ll have to deal with throttled connections and further slowdowns because of a limited number of servers in remote locations. Plus, even if your only goal is unblocking geo-restricted movies, you’ll be disappointed to hear that free VPNs can’t do that, either.
Thus, if you’re looking for other no-cost options, look into VPNs with free trials. They’re a great way to get familiar with a service without paying a dime. Once you’re done, use a VPN discount code to get huge savings when signing up.
Conclusion
A VPN in Iran is essential for experiencing an internet without borders and fear of surveillance. It will mask your online activities with uncrackable encryption. And, at the same time, it will unblock geo-restricted content.
Of course, these benefits are only possible when committing to a premium Iran VPN. Otherwise, you’ll have no chance of curbing the Iranian government’s numerous censorship methods. Don’t let anyone hold you back online by getting NordVPN, the best VPN available!
What’s your experience using a VPN in Iran? Share your security tips by leaving a comment!
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for UAE
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FAQ
Is it legal to use a VPN in Iran?
No, VPN use in Iran is heavily restricted to enforce censorship. Therefore, you should only use the best VPN services to protect your online activities completely and reliably without leaking personal information.
Can I use a free VPN in Iran?
No, we do not recommend using a free VPN in Iran. It might leak your data or riddle your device with malware. Instead, use a premium free trial VPN. That way, no one can compromise your security and privacy in Iran.
Which VPN has Iran IP addresses?
Sadly, there are no reliable VPN services with Iran IP addresses. That’s because the government wants to monitor all online activities, including those in VPN data centers. Therefore, privacy-respecting services don’t operate hardware in those regions.
What is the best VPN for Iran?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Iran. It has excellent security credentials, an independently-audited no-logs policy, and jurisdiction in Panama. Furthermore, the NordLynx tunneling protocol and wide-reaching server network ensure top-notch connectivity across the globe.
Which free VPN works in Iran?
The best free VPN that works in Iran is Atlas VPN. It has a few no-charge servers, the WireGuard tunneling protocol, and essential security features. However, you should consider getting a premium. That way, you’ll get more features, better speeds, and more servers.
How can I get a VPN for Iran?
You can get a VPN in Iran by downloading the application from a provider’s webpage. After that, install it and pick a server nearby for better speeds. And the best VPN that you can get is NordVPN.
i’m in Iran and i’m Iranian.
1-Nordvpn cant login to the app. but you can connect to the nordvpn servers with UDP openvpn config.
2- express vpn is best one here.
but how did you even buy it?
with credit or coin.
No, I’m not surprised that Iran has tight security and censorship. I’d be afraid of going online and using anything but the very best VPN out there, especially with the potential for terrible repercussions. I see some good choices here as NordVPN and ExpressVPN are consistently ranked high and CyberGhost seems to be coming into its own.
It’s not enough to have a computer in Iran. This is because of the censored restrictions on the contents on the internet. Considering the peculiarity here, I will recommend an ExpressVPN for Iran. Sure, you will get the value of your money
I don’t know about other people, but I wouldn’t trust my security (and possibly my life) to a free VPN if I was using one while accessing the Internet in Iran. If you’re dealing with an authoritarian regime, you want to protect yourself. Why would you take major risks by using an unreliable system?
NordVPN sounds really interesting, I guess it can also be useful in other restricted countries. I had no idea the internet censorship was that heavy in Iran, that’s a really good thing VPN exists. Thanks for the article, I’ve learned a lot !
A VPN helps work around the bans and censorship rules set in place by government. It’s hard to believe that there are still several countries that ban the use of VPNs by its citizens. Your post on finding the best Iran VPN is helpful so that users can access these geo-restricted sites.