Best VPNs for Iran to bypass internet restrictions and geo-blocks in 2024

Iran is known for its strict internet regulations and online censorship. The government's primary goals are maintaining political control, upholding Islamic values, and preventing foreign influence. As a result, it often targets and blocks platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, Netflix, and various news websites.

Fortunately, you can bypass Iran's censorship with a good VPN. These tools can mask your IP address, enabling access to blocked content. They also encrypt your internet traffic to protect you from surveillance and throttling.

However, Iran's internet censorship system is highly sophisticated. Only top-tier VPNs can effectively bypass these restrictions. After testing 23 services, I found five best Iran VPNs that still work in the country. I was interested in their speed, security levels, privacy, and obfuscation methods.

Keep reading to find the best VPN for Iran and learn how to "unlock" the internet in this country.

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Best VPN for Iran in 2024

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. PrivateVPN

   Secure VPN to use in Iran to access social media
   8.7
4. VyprVPN

   Good VPN for Iran that works on any device
   8.0
5. PureVPN

   Reliable VPN that still works in Iran in 2024
   8.5

Is it legal to use VPN 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. Before the ban, around 80% of Iranians used VPNs for daily online activities. The impact of the ban on this number is still uncertain.

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 checks all these boxes, making it my top pick for bypassing censorship in Iran and protecting your online privacy.

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.

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 the fastest VPN out there, thanks to its massive server network and optimized protocols.

With over 7000 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 $2.99/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.

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 the way to go. 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.

3. PrivateVPN – secure VPN to use in Iran to access social media

PrivateVPN is a beginner-friendly VPN for Iran, offering reliable unblocking, good security, and affordable pricing. It can't match NordVPN or Surfshark in raw speed, so it's best suited for checking your social media and casual browsing.

PrivateVPN's modest 200-server network exceeded my expectations during testing. The obfuscated servers worked perfectly, and I had no issues accessing anything from Facebook to BBC iPlayer. For the best speeds, I recommend locations close to Iran, like Cyprus or Israel. Bulgaria and Romania also delivered decent results.

PrivateVPN's Stealth Mode (obfuscation) is easy to activate from the Settings menu and worked flawlessly during my tests. I experienced no IP or DNS leaks, and although speeds weren't great, I saw no throttling indicators.

PrivateVPN will work on all your favorite gadgets and systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, Android TV, etc. With Stealth mode on, it kept 36-45% of the original speed – good enough for smooth browsing and some streaming on semi-fast networks. However, if you're on a slower connection, I recommend one of my first two picks instead.

PrivateVPN offers some great value deals, with plans starting at just $2.00/month. You can snag even higher discounts on our PrivateVPN coupon page. Plus, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

4. VyprVPN – good VPN for Iran that works on any device

VyprVPN is one of the fastest and most secure VPNs you can use in Iran. The company owns its server infrastructure, which is extremely rare and beneficial for your online privacy. It simply means your data isn't shared with any partners or third parties.

700+ servers in 64+ countries is not an impressive server network, but quality and private ownership change the equation. During my tests, Vypr achieved remarkable speeds from Iran and unblocked all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. I got the best results on servers in Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Vypr's Chameleon protocol is a proprietary stealth mode designed to bypass Iran's DPI. It's a fast and lightweight adaptation of OpenVPN that relies on its AES-256 encryption for security. Independent audits have verified Vypr’s no-logging policy, so your privacy is fully protected.

VyprVPN supports any device or platform you can think of, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Amazon OS, routers, Kodi, and more. In my tests, Vypr dished out good speeds without any lag or disconnects. On average, it kept just under 60% of my original speed, which almost mirrors Surfshark's performance.

The pricing starts at $5.00/month, and each purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I recommend keeping an eye on our VyprVPN coupon page for the latest deals and discounts.

5. PureVPN – reliable VPN that still works in Iran in 2024

PureVPN is an affordable mid-tier VPN service for Iran with strong security features, good privacy, and satisfactory speeds, depending on the server. It can't match the performance and polish of my top picks, but it's a reliable option for staying connected in Iran.

More than 6500 servers in 71+ countries will help you avoid server crowding in most cases. It also managed to unblock every single service I tested, which landed it a spot on this list. I had the best results in the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and India – all countries with severe censorship. So, for the best experience, I recommend using servers in Romania, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Similar to Surfshark, PureVPN's obfuscation activates automatically when you pick the OpenVPN protocol. The official website recommends picking UDP for faster speeds, but I suggest going with TCP for better security instead. PureVPN's privacy claims are backed by several no-log audits, so you can trust your data will stay secure.

You can use PureVPN on Windows, macOS, Android, iSO, Linux, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and routers. I was pleasantly surprised by the extra flexibility offered by an extension for the Brave browser. During my tests, PureVPN retained around 50% of our original speed on servers close to Iran and around 35% on faraway locations. It's not a performance powerhouse like NordVPN or Surfshark, but it’s still a good Iran VPN.

The pricing starts at $1.99/month, with a 31-day money-back guarantee for each plan. You should also check our PureVPN coupon page for the latest deals and discounts.

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:

1. Download and install a reliable Iran VPN. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% off.
2. Configure obfuscation (switch to OpenVPN or activate it manually, depending on the provider).
3. Enable the kill switch in the Settings menu.
4. Connect to a server in a censorship-free country, such as US or Germany
5. Unblock your favorite streaming service, news website, or social network.
   
   
6. Enjoy the internet without any censorship!

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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.

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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

The Iranian government imposes strict online censorship on its citizens. It aims to solidify political control and maintain certain values without any foreign interference. It blocks anything from social media (Facebook, Instagram) and streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu) to news websites (BBC, CNN) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram).

A solid Iran VPN can help you bypass this censorship and access blocked content. VPNs employ unbreakable encryption to hide your traffic and worldwide servers to mask your Iranian IP address.

After testing 23 services, NordVPN came out as the best VPN for Iran. It offers advanced obfuscation methods, the best security features, lightning-fast speeds, and a proven commitment to user privacy. Therefore, I recommend NordVPN if you're looking for a fast, safe, and reliable service that can unblock content from Iran for the years to come.

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You may also like to read:
5 best VPNs for Ukraine
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FAQ

What apps are not allowed in Iran?

The Iranian government blocks access to Instagram, Telegram, §WhatsApp, Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Signal, Pinterest, and many more apps, news websites, streaming platforms, and social networks. To access them, use a reliable Iran VPN, such as NordVPN, and connect to a server in the country, where these platforms are available.

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

NordVPN is the best service to deal with Iran's extensive censorship. It's fast, secure, reliable, able to bypass deep packet inspection and other VPN filters, and committed to safeguarding user privacy.

Which VPN protocol is best for Iran?

Obfuscated OpenVPN TCP is the best protocol for Iran due to its strong ability to bypass government censorship and surveillance and enhanced privacy. However, if you want to try your luck without obfuscation (which I don't recommend), go with IKEv2.

How to set up a VPN for Iran?

To set up a VPN for Iran, you simply need to download the VPN app or client, follow the setup process, and connect to a server in a censorship-free country. Before the final step, make sure to activate obfuscation and an automatic kill switch.

Can I use NordVPN in Iran?

Yes, NordVPN is the best option if you're looking to bypass Iran's online censorship. It's safe, reliable, fast, and committed to protecting your privacy, making it the most suitable VPN in Iran.

Is Surfshark working in Iran?

Yes, Surfshark is one of the few VPN services still able to bypass Iran's sophisticated censorship. It's one of the fastest Iran VPNs out there with excellent security and support for unlimited simultaneous connections.

What is the best VPN for iPhone users in Iran?

NordVPN is the best service for iPhone users in Iran. It offers reliable obfuscation tech, a user-friendly iOS app, the strongest security features, and an extensive server network around the globe.