Best VPN for Turkey in 2024
In 2014, Turkey passed new legislation regarding its internet accessibility to the public. As a result, more than 450 000 websites have been blocked to date. Those include LGBTQ and adult sites, among many others. As of recently, Turkish government also blocked Twitter, which is one of the main means of communication for some people.
Together with the conservative governmental leadership, the legislation has made Turkey into one of the most heavily restricted countries.
Virtual Private Networks or VPNs allow people to bypass governmental restrictions, simultaneously ensuring online security. Thus, this article will look at different VPNs that allow us to have more internet freedom in Turkey.
Best Turkey VPNs: shortlist
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The best VPN for Turkey
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VPN with unlimited connections
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Streaming-oriented VPN for Turkey
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VPN for Turkey with VIPRE antivirus
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Turkey VPN with a huge server fleet
How to get the best VPN for Turkey
- Get a VPN with servers in Turkey. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% off
- Choose and connect to a server in Turkey or another country
- That’s it. You’re fully protected!
Why do you need a VPN in Turkey?
Turkey is one of the most heavily restricted countries when it comes to personal use of the internet. According to the legislation passed in 2014, Turkey’s telecommunications authority (TIB) can ban websites without conducting any further investigation.
Moreover, in 2020, the new amendments to the Internet Law have declared that social media platforms 1M+ users are required to gather the personal information of its Turkish users and establish offices in Turkey.
These decisions have strongly decreased internet privacy within Turkey. The use of a VPN can prevent government-issued information gathering and ensure personal privacy online.
VPN can also be beneficial in more day-to-day scenarios. For example, you also need a VPN for safe torrenting in Turkey. While torrenting is legal in the whole country, downloading copyrighted content may result in fines, house arrests, or even jail.
What’s more, P2P networks show your IP address to anyone, including the ISP, so catching the culprit becomes easy.
Furthermore, a VPN helps against geo-blocking. Most content platforms are available without a VPN, but this service can help you access other Netflix libraries and other streaming websites, such as BBC iPlayer.
Lastly, with a reliable VPN for Turkey, you'll have access to recently blocked Twitter, which is one of the main sources of communication amids 2023 earthquake disaster.
Overview of the best VPNs for Turkey in 2022
While the best VPNs for Turkey have their own unique traits, there’s also something in common for all of them. For starters, they have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
They are also great for connecting to Turkey from abroad and unblocking content in other countries.
Finally, the VPNs below allow P2P and give you access to Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms. Not to mention, social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and others.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Turkey
Panama
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
452 Mbps
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Excellent security
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Independently audited no-logs policy
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Fastest speeds
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No router app
NordVPn is the best VPN for Turkey, as it can easily avoid sensless restrictions imposed by the Turkish government. Plus, it will easily bypass Twitter block, giving you access to the social media platform.
Additionally, the fact that NordVPN has an independently audited no-logs policy, ensures that no personal information is retained. With NordVPN you can choose from more than 7000 servers in 118+ countries around the world.
The product also has Obfuscated servers, which mask the use of a VPN, making it appear as regular internet usage. In addition to this, NordVPN also has an in-house NordLynx protocol, which makes it the fastest amongst the VPN providers. It is one of the leading VPNs for unblocking content on streaming services (Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.) or bypassing censored content. Plus, it will easily bypass Turkish restrictions on Twitter, giving you access to the social media platform.
Also, NordVPN has 24/7 live chat, a 7-day free trial (requires Android), and a 30-day money-back guarantee. With prices starting at $2.99/month – even cheaper if you use a NordVPN coupon code, it is the safest bet to increase online privacy and security.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – VPN with unlimited connections
Netherlands
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
405 Mbps
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Excellent privacy and security
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Unlimited simultaneous connections
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Speedy connections
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No-logs policy not audited
SurfShark VPN operates a network of 3200+ high-speed servers across 100+ countries, including Turkey. Not to mention, it will help you avoid Twitter block, so you'll have easy access to the platform.
With one subscription this provider allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices at one time. Surfshark VPN's Camouflage mode removes any VPN traces on your connection. In addition, this VPN service has a MultiHop feature which routes internet traffic through two different servers, adding an extra layer of security.
SurfShark's strict no-logs policy also ensures that no personal information is gathered. It has safely chosen the Netherlands for its headquarters. The country has no-logs-friendly jurisdiction and abides by the GDPR requirements.
The pricing for SurfShark starts at $2.19/month, making it one of the best cheapest VPNs available with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
That being said, potential clients can get a taste of the service with a 7-day free trial, available at Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Moreover, you can use a Surfshark coupon code for even better deals.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – streaming oriented VPN for Turkey
Sweden
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP
38 Mbps
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Strict no-logs policy
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Dedicated streaming servers
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Very cheap
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macOS and iOS apps have fewer features
PrivateVPN is a great and inexpensive option for Turkey, especially for streaming fans. Although it is a significantly smaller provider with roughly 200 servers in 63+ countries, including Turkey, it remains the top VPN service in the market, prioritising privacy and entertainment value. Additionally, PrivateVPN offers military-grade encryption, making it one of the top choices for a VPN.
With PrivateVPN’s dedicated focus on streaming, it is great not only for online security but also for unlocking geo-blocked content on streaming platforms (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc.). PrivateVPN’s dedicated servers also allow port forwarding, making it easier to share files using the P2P connection protocol.
With its strict no-logs policy, PrivateVPN is a great option for entertainment-oriented VPN users in Turkey. Their pricing starts at $2.00/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN also offers a 7-day free trial on its official website, and you can get a better deal with a valid discount code.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
4. IPVanish – VPN for Turkey with VIPRE antivirus
USA
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec
From $2.19/month
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Good server list (2000 servers in 50 countries)
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Decent price
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No device limit
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No anonymous payment options
Based in the United States, IPVanish is a popular option worldwide. It offers a high level of online security and fulfills general VPN needs, such as gaming and torrenting.
Currently, IPVanish has 2200+ servers in 51+ countries, including Turkey. More importantly, IPVanish owns and operates all of its servers, giving them more control over their fleet.
This is a considerable advantage for VPN users in such heavily surveilled countries as Turkey. The WireGuard protocol that IPVanish uses also helps to ensure that high connection speeds are maintained when using the VPN.
In addition to this, IPVanish comes with unlimited connections per account, a kill-switch, and a SOCKS5 proxy, which is important for P2P file sharing. Moreover, they offer 24/7 live chat customer support.
The prices for IPVanish start at $2.19/month if you add an IPVanish coupon code at checkout. Each new user also gets VIPRE Antivirus. Even though IPVanish does not provide a free trial option, you can try out their service risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.
5. CyberGhost – Turkey VPN with a huge server list
Romania
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
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Huge country server list
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Fast connection speeds
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7-day free trial
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macOS and iOS apps have less features
CyberGhost is one of the leading VPN services worldwide. Based in Romania, CyberGhost is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance. With 11700 servers in more than 100 countries, it has one of the biggest fleets of available connection locations.
CyberGhost’s use of the WireGuard protocol helps to ensure fast connection speeds. This VPN service also supports torrenting and unlocks the most popular geo-blocked streaming services (Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
The use of AES-256 encryption guarantees data protection, and a kill-switch helps prevent any 3rd party interference. If any issues were to occur, you could always contact their 24/7-live chat.
With a base price of $2.03/month it is one of the cheapest VPNs available. Moreover, CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee policy allows you to apply for a refund well after most competitors send you your first invoice. You can also grab a special deal with a coupon code.
For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.
6. TorGuard – security-oriented VPN provider
USA
OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
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Excellent security
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Strict no-logs policy
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Great for torrenting
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Not-very user friendly
TorGuard is a well-built product with a lot of security options to offer. Offering 3000+ servers in 48+ countries helps to ensure that TorGuard has connection options to most popular locations globally, including Turkey. Moreover, TorGuard has many useful privacy and security features, like a strict no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and more.
In addition, it is important to mention TorGuard's use of a built-in Shadowsocks proxy. Since the proxy's origin in China, it has been used worldwide to successfully circumvent internet censorship. TorGuard allows 8 simultaneous connections with a single account. Moreover, their 24/7/365 customer support service provides extensive assistance when needed.
With a $3.89/month starting price and a 7-day money-back guarantee, TorGuard is a good choice if your concern is securing your online activity. However, compared to its before-mentioned competitors, this service provides slower speeds, and its ability to unblock streaming content can sometimes be lacking. Get a discount for your purchase with this TorGuard coupon code.
For a deeper investigation of TorGuard, read our TorGuard review.
What should you look for in a VPN for Turkey?
You should not forget about the minimum requirements for any Turkish VPN service.
The first three are the main pillars on which the whole VPN service stands. If it doesn't have all of them, you might be safer without a VPN.
We have compared VPNs based on the following criteria:
- Security. Military-grade encryption is a must. AES 256-bit cipher has been developed as a response to the encryption needs of the US government. Nowadays, it's widely used in VPNs and is basically impossible to crack.
- Privacy. No-logs policy is vital when choosing a reliable VPN provider. Moreover, jurisdiction over the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes agreement is largely beneficial.
- Combination of price and features. Price is an essential factor to take into consideration. However, the cheapest option can sometimes not be the best. Therefore it is important to acknowledge the provider with the most to offer for your buck.
- Speed. WireGuard is a safe and simple-to-use yet incredibly fast VPN protocol. However, some VPN providers use older protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, etc. Therefore, for those of us valuing the speed of our connection and web-surfing, choosing a provider with WireGuard protocol is a must.
- Unblocking. One of the most popular advantages of any VPN is the ability to unlock geo-blocked content on streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. Therefore, the providers discussed on our list are some of the best VPNs for streaming available.
- Device support. We have looked into the availability and usability of different VPN providers across various operating systems and devices. The number of devices available for one account has also been discussed.
- Customer support. There's a huge difference between when you have to wait for a few days before getting a reply and when you can solve the issue immediately via 24/7 live chat.
According to our research, NordVPN is the best solution, providing the most value for your buck. Available across all operating systems, NordVPN checks all the boxes and holds up as a leading provider despite its strong competition.
Why did Turkey ban Twitter?
It's not the first time Twitter got blocked in Turkey. This time, it's restricted due to harsh criticism towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and slow response to devastating earthquakes. Twitter is completely inaccessible via two of the three main internet providers. TurkTelekom and Turkcell have completely blocked access. Vodafone still allows slower access.
Sadly, Twitter is one of the main ways of communication for many people searching for survivors and victims as well as for local and nationwide aid campaigns. The only reliable way to access Twitter now is with a VPN.
How to bypass Turkey Twitter ban
- Get a VPN that can bypass Turkish restrictions. The best one is NordVPN, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Download the app and launch it
- Pick a server nearby outside Turkey. You can choose Georgia, Israel, or Cyprus
- Head to Twitter and sign in
- Communicate and follow the latest updates on Twitter
Should you use a free VPN for Turkey?
Even though there are many free VPN providers available, most likely than not, a free VPN will not get you very far in bypassing geo-restrictions. Most of the free VPN providers are either unreliable or slow, or both. Moreover, according to our research, quite a few free VPN providers contain malware.
However, we are happy to recommend a completely free VPN service provider, Proton VPN. This VPN offers excellent security and has strict no-logs policies in place. It ensures that this application does not gather your personal information and does not sell it to any 3rd parties.
That being said, keep in mind that our recommended top VPN service providers offer the ability to enjoy VPN service completely risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here's what you'll be able to access and how much it will cost you once the trial is up:
- NordVPN – fastest available speeds, use of impenetrable data encryption cipher, thousands of available servers in a wide range of locations around the globe, ability to unlock geo-blocked content and bypass government-issued censorship. Prices for NordVPN start at $2.99/month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark VPN – unlimited number of devices to connect using a single paid subscription, excellent security, and ability to unlock various streaming services. The starting price for SurfShark is just $2.19/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- PrivateVPN – dedicated streaming servers, excellent security, and user-friendly interface. One of the cheapest VPN providers available, the starting price of this VPN is $2.00/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom line
With the increasing governmental and censorship regulations, it appears that VPN is a necessity rather than a luxury for internet users within Turkey.
Therefore, after comparing different providers, we've found that NordVPN is the most reliable VPN service provider to securely bypass the government-imposed internet access restrictions. Meanwhile, Proton VPN is a good free option for those on a budget.
If you're in Turkey, which of these VPNs have you used before? Did we miss any great VPNs for Turkey? Let us know in the comments below.
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Ukraine
How to unblock Instagram in Turkey
Best VPN for Iran
Best VPN for Russia
How to unblock social media in Turkey with a VPN
Best VPN for Netflix
How to change your location with a VPN
How to unblock Pornhub
FAQ
Is VPN legal in Turkey?
The use of VPNs has been banned in Turkey, following its strict censorship policy. However, Turkey has mainly cracked down on specific VPN service providers by blocking them instead of persecuting individual VPN users.
Which VPNs have been blocked in Turkey?
In addition to Tor connections, some VPN providers have also been blocked by the Turkish government. The last time we checked, the list of the main blocked VPNs included the following providers: Psiphon, VPN Master, Hotspot Shield, TunnelBear, ZenMate, Zero VPN.
Is torrenting legal in Turkey?
Torrenting itself is not illegal in Turkey. The issue with torrenting appears only when copyrighted material, such as music or movies, is shared, which goes against globally accepted anti-piracy laws.
Can I use NordVPN in Turkey?
Yes, you can use NordVPN for all your VPN needs in Turkey. In fact, as our research shows, it is the best option available for a VPN service. We recommend using NordVPN for all your online privacy and security needs.