Best VPN for Iran in 2025: Bypass Social Media & Internet Blocks
The protests in Iran have triggered a major spike in VPN usage. If you’re in Iran, you might want a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your privacy online. If you’re confused about which service to choose, we help you select the best VPN for Iran in this guide.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini triggered widespread protests across Iran. The officials have since repeatedly shut down mobile internet and blocked access to Instagram and WhatsApp, reports Wired. Other services like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have been banned for a long time in Iran. However, you can still access these services when you use the best VPN for Iran.
Iran has a long history of blocking internet services and social media sites. The Freedom on the Net 2022 report rates the Iranian internet as “not free.” The Iranian government has been known to use malware both within and outside the country to gather private information.
These factors make the use of VPNs even more of a necessity. No one, including internet service providers or the Iranian government, will be able to look at your online activity when you use the best VPN for Iran. In this guide, we discuss five VPN services that will secure your internet connection.
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11/15/2022 Facts checked
Updated the article to add context about the recent protests and spike in VPN usage. List of providers changed to reflect changes in features.
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11/02/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8, as well as its expansion of server presence to 105 countries, previously 94.
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07/04/2024
Updated the article to reflect latest information on NordVPN’s allowed number of simultaneous connections.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We adjusted the provider rankings to account for recent changes in the VPN landscape.
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01/26/2025 Facts checked
Updated to add PrivadoVPN as the best free VPN for Iran.
Top VPNs for Iran
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Average speedDownload Speed90 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency3 ms - 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
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- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
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Average speedDownload Speed84 MbpsUpload Speed8 MbpsLatency4 ms - 4
- : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
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Average speedDownload Speed82 MbpsUpload Speed9 MbpsLatency50 ms - 5
- : PayPal, Credit card
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What Makes the Best VPN for Iran?
The best VPNs for Iran should focus on security and privacy. We also looked at factors like speed and features when services had similar levels of security. We selected these five VPNs on a few important factors that matter the most to VPN users.
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- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
Security and privacy are generally the primary concerns for VPN users. This is especially true for Iranian citizens right now, as their data and online identities might be at risk. Good speeds ensure you don’t have to wait too long for pages or content to load. Connection speed is especially important for users who need a VPN service to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming websites.
A VPN’s speed is only good for streaming if it can effectively bypass the geoblocks on streaming websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The problem is that even though most VPNs can assign another country’s IP address, not all of them can effectively access the region’s content on streaming websites.
Not many VPNs have Iranian servers. However, note that you don’t need an Iranian server except in a few cases, like when you need an Iranian IP address to securely access your online banking website that’s geoblocked outside Iran. You can access any other Iranian websites using your unencrypted connection, though it’s best to stay protected.
The 5 Best VPNs for Iran
Here, we discuss the best VPN services that offer the features we discussed in the previous section, starting with our top pick, NordVPN.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Iran


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NordVPN is the best VPN overall for several reasons. For example, NordVPN is the fastest VPN as per our speed tests. NordVPN uses OpenVPN, IKEv2 or NordLynx (NordVPN’s take on WireGuard) and AES-256 encryption to create a secure VPN connection. It has a kill switch and split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy.
Not that NordVPN is expensive to begin with (the best value plan costs $3.69 per month), but you can reduce the per-user cost by sharing the account with a friend. The app offers ten simultaneous connections. Moreover, you can share your account with everyone in your household or office by installing NordVPN on your router.
The VPN provider gets into all major streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Combine that with its fast speeds and you’ve got a perfect VPN to stream with. NordVPN also has a massive server network, which means you can stream geoblocked content from just about anywhere. However, it doesn’t have an Iranian server, which means you can’t use it to acquire an Iranian IP. Read more about NordVPN in our comprehensive NordVPN review.
Specialty Servers
NordVPN offers several types of specialty servers to add an extra layer of security to your connection. The specialty servers include double VPN, P2P, Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers.
Of these, double VPN is the most commonly used. Double VPN involves two VPN servers through which your internet traffic is routed instead of just one VPN server. This makes your connection even more secure.

NordVPN’s monthly plan costs $11.99 per month. The yearly plan costs $4.99 per month, while its best value, the two-year plan, costs $2.52 per month. Like most VPN services, NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — Best Budget Friendly Iran VPN


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Surfshark is a low-cost VPN service that hasn’t been around for as long as some other major VPNs on the list. However, it has managed to become one of the best VPN services available. It offers a ton of value with its top-notch security, fast speeds and an impressive server spread. However, it doesn’t offer an Iranian server, so Surfshark can’t help you acquire an Iranian IP.
You get three security protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard combined with AES-256 and ChaCha20. It also has all the basic security features like a kill switch and split tunneling.
More importantly, Surfshark is one of the few services that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can create one account and share it with any number of friends.
Technically, you can also share access to other VPN services with an unlimited number of people by installing the VPN on a router. However, this requires users to be within the router’s range, and that’s why Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections are useful. Read more about Surfshark in our Surfshark review.
Additional Features
Surfshark packs in plenty of additional features. For example, the NoBorders mode allows users to bypass firewalls in countries with heavy internet censorship, like China.
You also get CleanWeb, a powerful ad blocker that blocks ads on both browsers and apps on your device. Surfshark’s rotating IP feature randomly changes your IP address every few minutes to ensure complete anonymity. Moreover, you also get double VPN for extra security.

Surfshark’s best value plan makes it one of the most pocket-friendly VPNs. The monthly plan costs $15.45, the yearly plan costs $3.19 per month, while the two-year plan (its best value) costs $2.19 per month.
Given its feature set and performance, the price is more than fair. You can try Surfshark risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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3. ExpressVPN — Best Iran VPN for Beginners


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ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs overall because it offers an excellent combination of security, performance and VPN features. ExpressVPN encrypts your VPN connection with OpenVPN and AES-256. Other available protocols include IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP and Lightway (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol). Moreover, it also includes security features like a kill switch (called Network Lock), split tunneling and DNS leak protection.
ExpressVPN has a great server spread with servers in over 105 countries. However, Iran isn’t one of them, so ExpressVPN can’t help you acquire an Iranian IP address.
You can use ExpressVPN on almost any device, including Android, iOS, routers and even gaming consoles. This means you can access blocked apps like Facebook and Instagram by installing the VPN app on your mobile device and connecting to a country where such apps are available.
You can also share ExpressVPN with your friends who want to access these blocked websites, since ExpressVPN allows up to eight simultaneous connections. Because you get unlimited bandwidth, sharing your account won’t negatively impact the performance on your end in any way.
Great for Streaming
ExpressVPN is also one of the best VPNs for streaming. It can help get access to geoblocked content libraries on all popular streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. The VPN servers also offer fast speeds, allowing you to stream high-definition content without any buffering.

ExpressVPN is a premium service and its pricing reflects that. It costs on the monthly plan, but its best value plan costs $6.66 per month for one year. Although ExpressVPN is worth it, its comparatively high pricing keeps it from the top of this list.
You can also give the service a try before committing for the long term using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost — Best VPN With Iranian Server


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CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN, with more than 9,000 servers across 91 countries, including Iran. Unlike other VPNs on the list, CyberGhost can help you acquire an Iranian IP address when you need to access an Iranian website securely.
The VPN provider secures your connection with OpenVPN, IKEv2 or WireGuard based on your preference. Its security feature portfolio includes a kill switch, split tunneling, an IPv6 connection blocker and NoSpy servers. Read more about these features in our comprehensive CyberGhost review.
CyberGhost can be a little slow, but this isn’t always the case. The speed depends on the server, so you might need to try a few servers to find one that offers a good connection speed. CyberGhost makes finding servers easy with its exhaustive sorting options, which allow you to sort servers by distance and server load. Once you’ve found a server, you can access most streaming platforms, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Hulu.
Automation Features
CyberGhost offers automation features — called “smart rules” on the app. The rules allow you to automate tasks based on triggers. For example, you can instruct CyberGhost to automatically connect to an Iranian server whenever you launch the app.

CyberGhost is the cheapest service on the list, costing $2.19 per month when you select its best value plan. Other plans are significantly more expensive, costing $12.99 per month if you opt for the monthly plan or $6.99 per month if you opt for the six-month plan.
You also get a longer-than-average 45-day money-back guarantee (14-days on the monthly plan) so you can try using CyberGhost risk-free before you commit for the long-term.
5. PrivadoVPN — Good Free VPN For Iran

PrivadoVPN is a reliable free VPN. Most free VPNs are unreliable, slow and insecure. A few exceptions exist, and PrivadoVPN is one of them because its free version is meant to be a preview for its paid VPN service.
The free plan understandably comes with a few restrictions. You get unlimited data, but after using 10GB you’re switched to the “Lite” plan — this has slower speeds and auto-connects you to the best available server, rather than letting you choose.
However, PrivadoVPN performs just as well as other services. It offers excellent security, including a kill switch, split tunneling and the WireGuard protocol. PrivadoVPN also unblocks almost all major streaming platforms. You can read more about it in our dedicated PrivadoVPN review.
Low-Cost Premium Plans
If you decide to upgrade, PrivadoVPN is a low-cost option with plans starting at $1.11 per month for a 27-month subscription. You get access to all of PrivadoVPN’s server network and its Control Tower features, which includes ad and malware blockers and enhanced streaming connections.

All of PrivadoVPN’s paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to try it out. However, PrivadoVPN’s free plan is pretty comprehensive and works well to secure your connections when you’re in Iran.
- 10GB
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- Unlimited GB
- 10
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Why You Should Use an Iran VPN?
Iranian internet users should use a VPN to help protect themselves against an invasion of privacy and to access blocked websites and apps. VPNs encrypt a user’s connection, which means it also protects you against anyone snooping in on your online activities.
The demand for VPNs in Iran skyrocketed by 2,100% on Sept. 22, 2022. The Iranian government has been blocking apps and social sites in the wake of protests that started after Mahsa Amini’s death. However, even without any active protests, the Iranian government has frequently restricted internet freedom.
Are VPNs Legal in Iran?
VPNs are mostly illegal in Iran. However, the User Protection Bill proposed in 2022 might soon make selling VPN and proxy services completely illegal in Iran. The bill also prohibits ISPs from allowing unlicensed foreign services like VPNs to access an Iranian user’s data.
VPNs are illegal in Iran, except for a few government-approved VPN services. The law renders using the approved VPNs useless because they can’t access services like Facebook and YouTube. This is why you need a secure, reliable VPN service to protect your data from the government.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Iran?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in Iran. However, using free VPNs isn’t recommended. Most free VPNs can’t match a premium VPN’s security and performance. Keeping your connection secure is especially important in a country like Iran, and free VPNs are most likely not the best way to go.
However, a VPN like PrivadoVPN might still help you protect yourself for free. The free version comes with a few restrictions, but the service will effectively secure your connection and ensure anonymity when online.
Final Thoughts
Using a VPN can protect you when you’re surfing the Iranian web. It can also help you access blocked apps and services like Facebook and YouTube and access another country’s content library on streaming websites.
Not all VPNs are equally effective when it comes to security and performance, though. We’ve discussed five of the best VPNs for Iran in this guide — NordVPN being the best VPN for Iran. Skeptical? Put NordVPN to the test yourself — its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it without any financial commitment.
Have you used any of these services? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thank you for reading.
FAQ
NordVPN is the best VPN to use in Iran. It offers excellent security, which ensures you’re always safe when surfing the Iranian internet. NordVPN also delivers top-notch performance and has a large server network, so you can easily bypass any blocks within the country.
Very few VPNs offer servers in Iran. This article focuses on the best VPNs to use in Iran, but if you need an Iranian IP address while in another country, you can use CyberGhost or HideMyAss.
You can get an Iran VPN by downloading one of the VPN apps listed in our guide. Install the VPN app on your device and connect to one of its VPN servers to use it.