Best VPNs for Iran to bypass internet restrictions and geo-blocks in 2025

In 2025, Iran continues to enforce some of the world’s most aggressive internet censorship policies. Social media platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram remain heavily restricted. Streaming services like Netflix and countless news outlets are also largely limited. These blocks are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain political control, limit foreign influence, and enforce strict ideological guidelines.

Accessing the open internet in Iran requires a VPN that can hide your IP, encrypt your traffic, and bypass advanced firewalls and surveillance. But not all VPNs are up to the task. Iran’s filtering technology is advanced, so only the most secure, stealthy, and reliable services can consistently bypass these restrictions.

After testing 23 VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the top VPN choices for Iran, thanks to their strong security, reliable ability to bypass censorship, and consistently fast connection speeds. Keep reading to discover which other VPNs made the list and how they can help you stay connected and protected in Iran.

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Best VPN for Iran in 2025

The best VPNs for Iran in 2025 are NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish, based on their ability to bypass censorship, maintain high security, deliver fast speeds, and remain accessible in restrictive environments like Iran.

1. NordVPN

   Overall best Iran VPN for safe browsing on the internet
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Affordable VPN for Iran with unlimited connections
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Privacy-focused VPN for Iran with advanced protection
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheap Iran VPN with beginner-friendly interface
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Secure VPN that still works in Iran in 2025
   8.4

Is a VPN legal in Iran?

Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace banned the use of VPNs and similar tools in early 2024. As a result, VPNs are not legal in Iran unless they have a special government-issued permit.

With that in mind, finding VPNs that work reliably in Iran is incredibly difficult. The government relies heavily on deep packet inspection (DPI) to:

• Block specific sites, content, or apps
• Throttle internet speeds for certain services like social media, streaming platforms, or messaging apps
• Identify individuals accessing or sharing sensitive content
• Recognize different traffic types (including VPNs) and enforce precise restrictions

Besides DPI, Iran blocks known VPN IP addresses and standard protocols like IPSec. The government further tightened censorship through DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking. In essence, Iran's ISPs can redirect requests to VPN services to government servers, effectively blocking access.

That's why only the best VPNs can bypass censorship in Iran and allow you to access blocked content. A VPN for Iran needs reliable obfuscation, a high-quality server network, strong encryption, a bulletproof no-logging policy, and enough speed for bandwidth-heavy tasks like HD streaming or online gaming. Currently, NordVPN is the top VPN for Iran, delivering advanced obfuscation technology, thousands of secure servers worldwide, and high-speed performance to ensure unrestricted, private, and smooth internet access despite heavy government restrictions.

Top 5 VPNs for Iran: detailed list

I tested 23 VPNs for this guide, looking for services that can reliably bypass VPN blocks and other censorship methods. My top picks below have excellent unblocking capabilities, solid privacy and security, stable and fast performance (even with double encryption), and extensive server networks.

Top 1. NordVPN – overall best Iran VPN for safe browsing on the internet

NordVPN is the best VPN for Iran, offering unique unblocking capabilities, best-in-class security, and advanced obfuscation to unlock global content without sacrificing your safety. It's also one of the fastest VPN out there, thanks to its massive server network and optimized protocols.

With over 7400 NordVPN servers in 118+ countries, you'll easily find one in a censorship-free location. A large network means better speeds and fewer crowded servers. During my tests, I accessed all blocked services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Netflix. I had the best results on obfuscated servers in Germany, Spain, Poland, and France. While the UAE and Turkey had better speeds, they're not ideal due to their own content restrictions.

NordVPN's obfuscation will mask your VPN traffic and bypass Iran's DPI. You'll just need to switch to the OpenVPN TCP protocol and activate obfuscated servers in the Settings menu. This feature will also help you eliminate speed throttling and connection problems.

For added security, I recommend activating the automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks in case of disconnects. Your private data will remain safe, as confirmed by multiple independent audits of Nord's no-logging policy.

NordVPN supports all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also set it up on your router, gaming console, or as a browser extension. My tests showed smooth, lag-free performance, even on distant servers.

The starting point for my obfuscated speed tests was 116 Mbps download. With NordVPN, I got 75 Mbps in Poland, 72 Mbps in Germany, 71 Mbps in France, and 67 Mbps in Spain. That's more than enough for HD streaming, gaming, or casual browsing. However, if you're on a super-slow network (<10 Mbps), you'll experience some lag.

At just $3.39/month, NordVPN is as affordable as it is reliable. You can get even better deals on our NordVPN coupon page. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on Android – perfect for testing without commitment.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark VPN – affordable VPN for Iran with unlimited connections

If you're looking for a budget-friendly VPN to use in Iran, Surfshark is an excellent choice with plans starting at just $2.19/month. It offers strong security features, great unblocking capabilities, and servers in nearby countries like Turkey, Cyprus, and Israel. Additionally, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect 10, 50, or 100+ devices with a single account.

Surfshark VPN operates 3200+ servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of censorship-free locations to choose from. During my testing, Surfshark unblocked all the platforms I accessed with NordVPN. When using it in Iran, avoid countries with heavy censorship, like Turkey, Kazakhstan, or the UAE. Nearby locations like Israel and Cyprus deliver solid speeds, but Germany, France, Italy, or Romania will also get the job done.

Surfshark's Camouflage mode (its version of obfuscation) kicks in automatically when you switch to OpenVPN, so you don't have to enable it manually like with NordVPN. Camouflage worked flawlessly for me – I was never blocked or throttled. I also recommend activating the kill switch for optimal privacy and security.

Surfshark supports all the major platforms, systems, consoles, and browsers. I had zero disconnects during my testing, and the connection quality was stable throughout. Surfshark retained around 60% of the original speed, which is enough bandwidth for any online activity.

Surfshark offers the best value for money, starting at only $2.19/month. You can save even more on our Surfshark coupon page. Each purchase comes with a full 30-day refund period, and you can test the mobile apps for free for an entire week.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – freemium Iran VPN with robust privacy features

Proton VPN is a solid Iran VPN for users who value privacy, security, and reliable censorship bypassing. Developed by the Proton team and backed by Swiss privacy laws, this feature-packed VPN is dependable for browsing, social media, and streaming in Iran in 2025.

Proton VPN’s network has over 13000 servers in 122+ countries, with excellent coverage in nearby regions like Turkey, Israel, and Romania, which are great options for better connectivity in Iran. Powered by WireGuard and with VPN Accelerator on board, Proton VPN delivered fast performance, retaining 86% of my initial connection speed during my testing.

The VPN offers strong AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries for extra safety. Its Tor Over VPN feature further enhances anonymity – an important precaution for Iranian users. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol, designed to avoid deep packet inspection, performed well in my tests, allowing access to blocked sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube without issues.

Proton VPN is available on all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers. It also offers a generous free version that is solid but limited. Paid plans start at $3.59/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free. There are also ongoing discount coupons available.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Top 4. TotalVPN – affordable VPN for Iran with user-friendly apps

TotalVPN is a good choice for users in Iran who want to bypass censorship securely and maintain their online privacy without paying too much. Known for its affordability and user-friendly design, this VPN service offers reliable protection for unrestricted browsing and social media access in Iran in 2025.

TotalVPN operates a humble but effective network of 50+ servers in 35+ countries. It has key locations near Iran, including Turkey, Israel, and the UAE, providing optimal connectivity solutions for Iranian users. The service employs the OpenVPN protocol and delivers good speeds. When I tested it, it retained 84% of my connection speed, which is more than enough for multi-purpose use. However, I had slower performance using distant servers, experiencing 30% speed drops.

The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, claims a strict no-logs policy, and includes key privacy features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection. While TotalVPN may not have extra protections, its fundamental security features are enough to stay connected and anonymous in Iran.

Total VPN is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The subscription is very affordable, starting at just $1.59/month. The service has a 7-day free trial and is backed by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

Top 5. IPVanish – robust VPN with unlimited connections

IPVanish is a solid VPN for Iranian users looking to bypass government restrictions while keeping their online activity private. Known for its unlimited device connections and advanced security features, IPVanish can be suitable for families or users with multiple devices needing protection in Iran.

The service operates a global network of over 2400 servers in 109+ countries, including nearby countries like Turkey and the UAE, which is ideal for Iranian users seeking strong, stable connections. It supports multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, delivering consistent speeds in my testing. While on WireGuard, it retained an impressive 92% of my initial speed with closer servers, though performance dipped slightly on long-distance connections.

Security-wise, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption and follows a strict zero-logs policy. Other essential privacy features include a kill switch and DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protection. On top of that, IPVanish has split tunneling for Android FireOS users and Stealth VPN on OpenVPN, also known as the Scramble. This is a feature that masks your VPN usage by masking its unique protocol fingerprint. This feature helps bypass Iran’s VPN-blocking firewalls and censorship systems. The VPN’s security package is more than enough for safe browsing and streaming under restrictive networks in Iran.

IPVanish works on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV, with user-friendly apps. The VPN’s pricing is competitive, starting at just $2.19/month, plus there are discount codes. Although there is no free trial available, paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a no-risk choice for VPN users.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Iran VPNs comparison

How to use a VPN in Iran?

Many popular websites, platforms, and services are partially or completely blocked in Iran. Here's a brief overview of some of the government's main targets:

• Videos and streaming: Dailymotion, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Twitch, Vimeo, YouTube
• Social networks: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, Threads, TikTok, X
• News: ABC News, BBC, CBS News, CNN, Deutsche Welle, Fox News, NBC News, NDTV, Vice News
• Messaging: Facebook Messenger, Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp
• Music: Apple Music, iTunes, Pandora, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube Music
• Sexual content: BongaCams, Chaturbate, PornHub, Redtube, XHamster, XVideos

Heavy censorship restricts access to unbiased information and creates fertile ground for propaganda. Freedom of communication is also very limited. Finally, there's a problem of cultural isolation and the inability to access content crucial for personal development and progress (for example, scholars and students can't do proper research).

Fortunately, a good Iran VPN can bypass all these restrictions and allow you unrestricted access to the internet. Here's how to set up a VPN for Iran:

Step 1: Get a reliable VPN for Iran

Start by choosing a trusted VPN like NordVPN with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and obfuscated servers to bypass Iran’s internet restrictions. Download and install the VPN on your device before entering the country, as many VPN websites are blocked once you're inside Iran.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app

Once you've selected a reliable VPN, download the app directly from the provider’s official website or a trusted app store. Install it on all the devices you plan to use, and make sure it's updated to the latest version for optimal performance and security.

Step 3. Configure obfuscation

Enable obfuscation in your VPN settings to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This helps you avoid detection by Iran’s censorship systems and ensures a more stable, uninterrupted connection.

Step 4. Enable the kill switch

Turn on the VPN’s kill switch feature to ensure your internet traffic is blocked if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and avoiding exposure while using a VPN in Iran.

Step 5. Connect to a VPN server outside Iran

Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country with unrestricted internet access, like the US, Germany, or the Netherlands. This will mask your IP address, helping you bypass censorship and access blocked websites and services securely. If connection speeds are slower than expected, choose closer-range servers in the region for optimal performance.

Step 6. Access the internet freely

Once connected to a secure VPN server with obfuscation and the kill switch enabled, you can browse the internet in Iran without restrictions. Enjoy access to blocked websites, social media platforms, unbiased news, and streaming services while staying safe and anonymous online.

Get NordVPN now

How to download a VPN if you are already in Iran?

If you're traveling to Iran, I always recommend installing your VPN before you get there. However, if you live in Iran or have already arrived, you'll need to employ alternative installation methods. Here are some recommendations:

• Alternative domains: You can use mirror VPN websites to download their software. For example, my tester used nord-help.com/ for NordVPN and surfchinaz.com/ for Surfshark. You can contact customer support via email for more domains.
• APK files for Android: If you're an advanced user, you can download APK files from a trusted source like APKMirror.
• Tor Browser: You can use Tor Browser to download your chosen VPN. Since you can't access the site from Iran, you'll need to send an email to [email protected]. Just name your operating system in the mail, and you'll get all the necessary files and signatures.

What to consider when choosing the best VPN to use in Iran

During my testing, I had several essential ranking factors that shaped my final list. Here's what a VPN needs to be effective in Iran:

• Reliable obfuscation: The stealth mode can bypass DPI by disguising your VPN traffic as regular browsing. The obfuscation quality directly impacts your VPN's ability to bypass censorship and unblock content. All my picks offer this utility, either through obfuscated servers or dedicated stealth protocols.
• Automatic kill switch: This fail-safe prevents IP and DNS leaks by cutting internet access if your Iran VPN connection drops. I tested the kill switches of all my picks and saw zero data leaks.
• Extensive server network: Having more servers means better access to global content and steadier connections in Iran. Your VPN has to provide good speeds over long distances since Iran's closest neighbors are also plagued by censorship.
• Strong encryption: Ciphers like AES-256 (OpenVPN) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard) will hide your traffic from prying eyes.
• Good and stable speeds: Obfuscation and heavy encryption can slow your connection. Top Iran VPNs minimize these speed drops through large server networks, sleek protocols, smart connection algorithms, and optimized obfuscation. During my testing, NordVPN and Surfshark provided the best and most consistent results.
  
• Commitment to user privacy: Look for a strict no-logging policy, secure servers, and a bulletproof reputation regarding data privacy. Strong security is useless if your VPN provider hands over your data to the Iranian government. That's exactly what services with government-issued licenses have to do, so I don't recommend using them. All my picks went through several independent audits that confirmed zero logging and safe server infrastructure.

You should make sure your VPN in Iran supports all the devices in your household. NordVPN and Surfshark also have many nice-to-haves, like ad/tracker blocking, protection against malicious domains and phishing, and streaming optimizers. These were not essential for my ranking, but they boost your online quality of life.

Get the best VPN for Iran now

Can I use a free VPN for Iran?

I don't recommend using free VPNs to bypass Iranian censorship. First of all, they won't work – maintaining an infrastructure that deals with VPN filters is extremely expensive, and free providers can't afford it. Oftentimes, they don't even provide the minimal protection expected from a VPN.

Secondly, free VPNs are usually scams looking to profit off of you in some way. They can steal your private data and sell it on the dark web, include your devices in a P2P network to mine crypto (cryptojacking), and more. A VPN like Hola is a perfect example of a scammy service that can barely be called a VPN.

If you're getting something for free, you are the product, goes the old adage. So, I suggest skipping free VPNs and investing in top-tier VPN for Iran like NordVPN or Surfshark. They can actually help you bypass censorship in Iran, unblock all the restricted content, and keep you safe while doing so. The best part is that most of them offer free trials, so you can use them without spending a penny and switch the service after it ends. Also, you can take advantage of a money-back guarantee that would extend the service for at least a month.

Try NordVPN for 7 days free

Why don't all VPNs work in Iran?

As mentioned, dealing with government censorship in any country is a never-ending and costly battle. There are very few Iran VPNs with the resources and infrastructure to pull it off consistently. Iran's government employs DPI, IP address blocking, keyword content filtering, DNS manipulations, SSL/TLS interceptions, and surveillance to make sure unwanted content doesn't reach its citizens. During political crises or protests, the government can shut down internet access entirely.

Take a look at some VPN services that failed to connect in Iran during my testing.

Final thoughts on using a VPN in Iran

Iran’s internet remains heavily restricted, with the government blocking access to everything from social media and messaging apps to international news and streaming platforms. These controls are designed to limit foreign influence and reinforce internal political and cultural agendas, but they also leave citizens and travelers cut off from the global web.

The right VPN lets you reclaim online freedom by encrypting your data, hiding your real IP address, and bypassing Iran’s sophisticated censorship systems. After thoroughly testing 23 VPN services, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for Iran. It combines powerful obfuscation technology, top-tier encryption, excellent connection speeds, and a strict no-logs policy, making it a trusted choice for users in Iran in 2025.

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FAQ

What apps are not allowed in Iran?

The apps that are not allowed in Iran include Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Signal, and Pinterest. Streaming services and news websites are also mostly censored. To access them, use a reliable VPN like NordVPN. Connecting to a server in a free country like Canada lets you bypass restrictions and use apps in Iran.

What is the best VPN to bypass Iran's internet restrictions?

NordVPN is the best VPN to bypass Iran’s internet restrictions. It’s fast, highly secure, and uses advanced obfuscation to evade VPN blocks and deep packet inspection. With strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy, it protects your privacy while giving you unrestricted access to content, including social media, news, and streaming platforms.

Which VPN protocol is best for Iran?

Obfuscated OpenVPN over TCP is the best protocol for Iran. It’s designed to bypass deep censorship and disguise VPN traffic, making it harder to detect. It also offers strong encryption for enhanced privacy. While IKEv2 is faster and may work in some cases, it lacks obfuscation and is more likely to be blocked, so it’s not recommended for consistent use in Iran.

How to set up a VPN for Iran?

To set up a VPN for Iran, download and install your chosen VPN app, then follow the setup instructions. Once installed, connect to a server in a country with no censorship. Be sure to enable obfuscation to mask your VPN traffic and activate the automatic kill switch to protect your privacy if the connection drops. These steps ensure secure online access in Iran.

Can I use NordVPN in Iran?

Yes, you can use NordVPN in Iran. It’s a strong choice for bypassing internet restrictions thanks to its speed, security, and privacy features. NordVPN helps you access blocked content safely, making it a reliable option for navigating Iran’s online censorship.

Is Surfshark working in Iran?

Yes, Surfshark is working in Iran and remains effective at bypassing the country’s strict internet censorship. It offers fast speeds, a strong security package, and supports unlimited devices, making it a great option for staying connected and protected while in the country.

What is the best VPN for iPhone users in Iran?

The best VPN for iPhone users in Iran is NordVPN. Its iOS app is easy to use and packed with strong security features, including obfuscation technology to bypass Iran's censorship. With a large server network, it ensures reliable access and fast connections globally.