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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best VPNs for Iran in 2024 — Secure, Fast, and Private

Tijana Stankovic Updated on 12th March 2024 Fact-checked by Kate Veale Cybersecurity Researcher

Social media (including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp) remain blocked in Iran due to heavy internet censorship. Using a reliable VPN remains one of the few ways visitors to the country can stay in touch with loved ones and access news sites.

Only a few premium VPNs work in Iran. After my team and I tested 40+ providers, I found the best VPNs to protect your online privacy from surveillance and data collection initiatives. The VPNs listed use advanced security features and a worldwide network of servers to unblock international online services.

My top choice for Iran is ExpressVPN. It uses high-end encryption to secure your online activities. It also has a fast network of global servers to use social media platforms without delays. You can try ExpressVPN for Iran without risk since it’s backed by a 30 money-back guarantee.

Get ExpressVPN for Iran >>

Important. There are restrictions on VPNs and general internet use in Iran. We at vpnMentor don’t condone any illegal activity, including copyright infringement. Since the VPNs listed don't log or share your personal information, it's your responsibility to use them according to the laws in your area. Regularly check the latest rules regarding VPN use and bans to avoid accidentally breaking any.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Iran in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Robust security features to protect your online activity in Iran & a 30-day refund period.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    A global network of servers, including Iran, to unblock local & international websites.
  • Private Internet Access
    PIA
    Routes your data through multiple servers for extra protection against surveillance.
  • NordVPN
    NordVPN
    High-speed servers around the world for fast internet surfing in and outside Iran.
  • Surfshark
    Surfshark
    User-friendly design so beginners can use it to secure their information in Iran.

Best VPNs for Iran — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Military-Grade Encryption to Protect Your Privacy in and Outside Iran

Best Feature All servers are automatically obfuscated to avoid VPN-blocking technology
Server Network 3,000 fast servers across 105 countries, including nearby in Pakistan
Speed A minimal speed loss of 6% testing servers in Israel from the UK
Works With Netflix, IRIB TV3, RTL+, Amazon Prime Video, iFilm, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and more

ExpressVPN’s sophisticated security features conceal your online identity and activity in Iran. The industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption makes your data unreadable to third parties. Plus, Perfect Forward Secrecy gives you a new encryption key whenever you end a session or connect to another network. On top of that, its Network Lock kill switch will stop your internet traffic if your VPN accidentally disconnects (although this never happened to me), keeping your data private.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN's settings showing general settings and Network Lock, with ExpressVPN connected to New YorkI also tested its IPv6/DNS/WebRTC protection, and my actual location was never leaked

Its speeds are one of the best I tested — even on faraway servers. From my location in the UK, my tests averaged a speed reduction of just 5% on nearby servers (from 122.62Mbps to 116.36Mbps) and a 17%drop over long distances. This drop is small enough for playing first-person shooter games and torrenting without delays. I quickly downloaded a file bigger than 5 GB while connected to the VPN.

ExpressVPN also stands out for its seamless user experience and broad device compatibility, making it easy to use when traveling in Iran or abroad. With intuitive apps for Android and other devices, ExpressVPN is effortless to set up for reliable online privacy on up to 8 devices simultaneously.

On the downside, the VPN is on the pricier side, starting at $6.67/month. However, it helps you save by regularly offering discounts of up to 49% and free months of service. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. In case you're dissatisfied, getting a refund via 24/7 live chat is easy.

Useful Features

  • Threat Manager. This privacy feature protects you against nosy apps, trackers, and malware. Using it means you don't have to worry about unwanted third-party apps sharing your personal data.
  • Doesn't collect data. Multiple third-party firms have audited its no-logs policy, confirming that none of your personally identifiable information will be captured or shared with anyone.
  • Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol is made to give you an equally fast and safe experience on the internet, great for internet-restricted locations like Iran.
  • RAM-only servers. TrustedServer technology improves your online anonymity by using RAM-only servers that cannot save any of your data — it's wiped with every server reboot.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Local and International Servers for Unrestricted Internet Access

Best Feature One of the only VPNs to operate a server for Iran to unlock local accounts when traveling
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including Iran and surrounding locations
Speed Excellent on local servers (only a 4% drop), slower over long distances
Works With Netflix, IRIB TV3, RTL+, Amazon Prime Video, iFilm, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and more

With 26 servers in Tehran, CyberGhost gives you an Iran IP address to access local online services, like your Tejarat Bank account, without issues. If you're in the country, connecting to a local server protects your online privacy without slowdowns since the server distance is so tiny. I tested most Iranian servers and successfully browsed local sites without any location errors blocking me.

Screenshot of CyberGhost app showing Iran server location, with the VPN connected to IranClick the star icon to add the Iran server to your favorites

Another thing I like about CyberGhost is its Smart Rules feature. It allows you to tailor the VPN connection to your specific needs. For example, create App rules that automatically connect to the VPN when you open a particular app. I had CyberGhost connect to a server near me for the lowest ping whenever I played Clash of Zombies. I also recommend activating WiFi protection to automatically launch the VPN and stay protected when you connect to public networks.

One minor con is that the VPN can be slower over long-distances, unlike ExpressVPN. However, its speeds are great for uninterrupted browsing and watching TikTok videos. Connecting to servers in or near you in Iran will provide you the best performance.

Thanks to the extended money-back guarantee of long-term plans, you can use CyberGhost’s Iranian servers free for 45 days. I tested its refund policy by canceling via 24/7 live chat and requesting my money back. The representative sorted it out in minutes, and the money was reflected in my PayPal account within 3 days.

Useful Features

  • NoSpy servers. These servers undergo rigorous monitoring in a high-security data center in Romania, outside the data-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances. They are operated by CyberGhost's own team, so third parties can't gain access to its servers. However, you need to pay a small upgrade fee.
  • Automatic kill switch. Your internet connection is immediately severed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing data leaks and maintaining your online anonymity.
  • No-logs policy. CyberGhost doesn't log any identifiable data, like the websites you visit. This policy has been verified.
  • Easy to use. It has an intuitive interface that looks and works similarly across various devices. It also has specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, which you find when expanding the app.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Multi-Hop & Obfuscation for Additional Anonymity in Iran

Best Feature Double encryption and strong obfuscation to avoid detection
Server Network 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including the United Arab Emirates
Speed The Saudi Arabia server reduced my speed by 28%, still fast enough for smooth video calls
Works With Netflix, IRIB TV3, RTL+, Amazon Prime Video, iFilm, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and more

PIA's Multi-Hop feature is a potent tool to keep your digital footprint anonymous. This is important in places where online activities are heavily monitored, such as Iran. By routing your internet traffic through multiple servers in different locations, it's nearly impossible to trace back to you. Additionally, by obfuscating VPN traffic, PIA prevents it from being detected or blocked. I could watch YouTube videos on my public library-restricted network during my tests.

Screenshot of PIA settings showing Multi-Hop feature and Shadowsocks proxyMulti-Hop automatically enables Shadowsocks proxy, but you also choose SOCKS5

While PIA offers a good speed and array of security features (including AES 256-bit), I was disappointed that it doesn’t permit torrenting on its US servers. Luckily, the VPN boasts excellent P2P support throughout its network of worldwide servers, so it was not hard to find one nearby to download files quickly and without interruptions.

You can get a long-term PIA plan for just $2.19/month and use it on unlimited devices simultaneously. Like ExpressVPN, it also has a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • MACE ad-blocker. PIA's MACE feature protects you from intrusive ads and malicious websites. The built-in ad and malware blocker blocks unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, and trackers, creating a cleaner and safer browsing experience.
  • Court-proven no-logs policy. Your browsing data and actual IP address won't get stored or shared.
  • Helpful customer service. PIA's customer support is available 24/7 through email and live chat. They can help you quickly if you encounter any issues connecting to the VPN from Iran.
March 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

4. NordVPN — Fast Connection Speeds for Browsing Without Delays in Iran

Best Feature Proprietary NordLynx protocol gave me the best speeds without sacrificing security
Server Network 6,139 servers in 67 countries, including UAE and Israel
Speed My speed was reduced by only 4% testing nearby servers
Works With Netflix, IRIB TV3, RTL+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and more

NordVPN’s servers consistently deliver fast connections, even during peak internet times. From my base speed of 125.36Mbps, I clocked an impressive 116.04Mbps connecting to its Israel server from the UK. With only a 7% speed drop, I could torrent without lag. During my tests, I downloaded a 3GB copyright-free file in less than 4 minutes.

Screenshot of speed tests of NordVPN, with the VPN connected to an Israel serverUse NordVPN's specialized UAE obfuscated server to remain undetected

Unfortunately, NordVPN does not have a server in Iran, but plenty close by for optimum connection speeds. It also has many servers in countries without censorship to give you access to the most popular Social Media services.

You can try the VPN without risk. A 30-day money-back guarantee comes with all NordVPN plans, the cheapest of which is $3.39/month. You can also use it on up to 6 devices at once.

Useful Features

  • NordLynx. Its proprietary protocol gives you a balance of speed and security. In a place like Bangladesh, where the internet gets slow due to throttling, this technology bypasses this and improves your speed.
  • Meshnet. Using this tool, you can create a secure, protected connection between two devices. This keeps your devices safe within your private network, shielding you from potential online threats while browsing from Iran.
  • Intuitive app. You can easily navigate NordVPN. It has a search bar, a helpful map with server locations, and a tab with 5 recent servers to which you can quickly connect.

5. Surfshark — Intuitive Apps That Make It Easy To Use in Iran or Abroad

Best Feature Ideal for beginners, with little descriptions about each feature in its menu
Server Network 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia
Speed Using its WireGuard protocol, my speed dropped only 4% on a server in Saudi Arabia
Works With Netflix, RTL+, Amazon Prime Video, iFilm, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and more

Surfshark's straightforward interface lets you find servers or change settings in seconds. For example, to activate NoBoders mode for bypassing tough geo-restrictions, click the gear icon and select VPN settings; under Advanced Settings, simply toggle on the NoBorders switch. During my tests, turning on the NoBorders mode took 5 seconds. The process is similar for Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac.

Screenshot of Surfshark settings, with NoBorders feature shownEnable "Bypasser" to choose which apps use the VPN and which don't

One drawback is that the VPN is based in the Netherlands, part of the 9-Eyes jurisdiction — a group of countries that collect and share information about its citizens. However, Surfshark follows a solid no-logs policy, so your IP address and online behavior aren't recorded or observed.

Thanks to the VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try its servers risk-free. You can get a full refund if it doesn't suit your needs.

Useful Features

  • Unlimited device connections. You can simultaneously use Surfshark on all your devices and only pay $2.89/month.
  • CleanWeb. Surfshark's ad-blocker provides a cleaner web experience by blocking annoying ads and trackers.
  • Private DNS & leak protection. Surfshark protects your connection against DNS and IP leaks, so your real location and DNS requests won't be exposed. I never detected any leaks during my tests.

Proton VPN — Best Free VPN For Iran

If you don't mind a limited server network and don't want a VPN for torrenting, Proton VPN is a great free option for Iran. It has 100 free servers in the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland, and it doesn't limit your monthly data like most free options. So you can access international websites and social media apps from within Iran. It worked well with Instagram and TikTok during my tests. Choose a server in Romania for the best speed, as it's the closest to Iran.

Proton VPN has a Smart protocol feature to bypass online restrictions effortlessly. This adaptive protocol automatically selects the best encryption method in countries like Iran. It also has AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to keep you safe online.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Iran in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend using ExpressVPN because its robust security features give you the best protection while browsing in Iran. You can even test ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a server. Select the country from which you want to access websites or services. For instance, if you want to use your social media accounts in Iran, choose a server nearby in a country without restrictions.
  3. Start browsing. Now, you can easily stay in touch with people and news worldwide from your location in Iran.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Iran

In evaluating the top VPNs for Iran, I utilized a defined set of crucial features that ensure your safety and grant access to international Sites (all the VPNs I've shortlisted possess these characteristics). However, if you wish to conduct your own evaluations, you're welcome to adopt my criteria:

  • Robust security features. To maintain your privacy in Iran, your VPN should atleast have AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and follow a strict no-logs policy.
  • Global server network. An extensive international server network lets you access your essential accounts and services in and outside Iran.
  • Fast speeds. Speed is essential for any sort of online activities, be it torrenting, gaming, streaming, or uninterrupted browsing. Choose a VPN with servers near Iran (if you're in the country) to avoid slow downs.
  • Obfuscation technology. In Iran, VPN usage is often blocked by the government. An obfuscation feature can disguise VPN traffic as regular traffic, making it harder to detect.
  • Easy to use. A user-friendly interface is important, especially if you're new to VPNs. Look for VPNs with intuitive apps that's compatible with various devices. 24/7 live chat is a great bonus.
  • Trustworthy money-back guarantee. You should be able to try the service risk-free and get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

FAQs on Using a VPN for Iran

Which VPN is the best for Iran?

I recommend using ExpressVPN to protect your privacy in Iran. It offers military-grade encryption, does not log or share your data, and servers are automatically obfuscated to avoid detection. Plus, it's one of the fastest VPNs tested, with servers worldwide for unrestricted access to international sites and apps. You can try EXpressVPN risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Are VPNs legal and safe to use in Iran?

Technically, VPNs are legal in Iran. You can protect your privacy with a VPN while browsing in Iran. However, you should stay up to date with current laws. You may find that only VPNs registered and approved by the government are allowed, or the use of them is limited for certain activities. So, make sure you understand the laws about using VPNs in your location to avoid trouble with the authorities.

Can I use a free VPN in Iran?

Only a few free VPNs will work in Iran because of their limited server networks and slow speeds. ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Iran with its Smart protocol helping you bypass restrictions. It also includes most security features that paid-for VPNs have. However, you can't torrent with it.

Be careful when choosing a free VPN; some sell your data to third parties. In contrast, others force you to upgrade to their paid plans by limiting bandwidth.

What should I do if my VPN isn’t working in Iran?

If your VPN isn't working in Iran, don't worry; there are steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. You can try switching to another server and make sure obfuscation is enabled to avoid detection and blocking. You can also change your VPN protocol. If all else fails, contact the VPN's customer support for guidance.

Which devices can I use a VPN on in Iran?

The VPNs on this list are compatible with all major devices, including Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac. They can also be used on routers, smart TVs, Fire Stick devices, and more. ExpressVPN is the best Android VPN for Iran since it's easy to install and operate with a native and won't drain much battery, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol.

Get the Best VPN for Iran

With the help of a premium VPN, you can protect your online activity and identity in Iran. Choose one with high-level encryption, obfuscation technology, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. All the VPNs on this list have these robust security features and won't cause noticeable speed reductions.

I recommend ExpressVPN for securely using social media apps in Iran. It uses military-grade encryption, automatically hides your VPN traffic as regular traffic, and has fast servers worldwide. Because it offers a 30 money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN out without risk.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Iran…

Rank
Provider
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medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
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2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
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3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
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9.4 /10
9.4 Our Score
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9.3 /10
9.3 Our Score
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Tijana Stankovic is a experienced content writer currently working at vpnMentor. She has written numerous VPN guides and comparisons, making sure that the readers get the best possible recommendations through her articles.