Best VPNs for Iran in 2025: Secure, fast, & affordable

It's a good idea to use a VPN in Iran, as long as you use a provider that can access blocked content and improve online privacy. Here’s what you need to know about the best Iran VPNs.

Iran is subject to strict internet censorship, blocking everything from international news sites to social media platforms. As Freedom House notes:

“In September [2022], the country’s Supreme Council for Cyberspace quietly implemented parts of a highly controversial bill that had yet to win parliamentary approval, appointing representatives from the security forces to a new commission with broad powers to regulate online content and internet access.”

Social media users and journalists have been arrested and convicted in the country, and it’s dangerous to post anything online that criticizes the Iranian government. Given the current climate in Iran, it makes sense to use a VPN to improve online privacy and ensure you have freedom of access to information outside of the government-imposed censorship bubble.

VPNs are capable of masking the user’s IP address, allowing you to access blocked sites and services in a completely private manner. All user traffic will be encrypted in the process, so no interested parties will be able to keep tabs on your online activities. Plus, you can access popular international services to make the most of your internet connection, whether you're inside Iran or traveling elsewhere.

Many providers have opted against offering servers in Iran itself due to privacy issues, but there are still numerous VPNs that are perfect for users living in Iran. Below, we’ve included a quick rundown of our best VPN recommendations for Iran.

The best Iran VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Iran. Packed with notable privacy features, including strong obfuscation, Meshnet, fast speeds, fully audited, and 7,400+ RAM-only servers. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Iran. Unlimited devices, can access a long list of blocked sites and services, servers in 100+ countries, and includes features like MultiHop and obfuscation.
3. ExpressVPN: Popular provider with user-friendly apps and servers in 105+ countries. Perfect for accessing geo-restricted streaming sites like Netflix, custom protocol, and offers obfuscation for Iran.
4. Mullvad: Privacy-focused VPN with apps for all devices. Fully audited, no logs, and some of the fastest connection speeds seen during testing.
5. Proton VPN: Provider offering various advanced features for Iranian users. Obfuscation via StealthVPN and streaming support for various popular platforms. Free servers are available.
6. IVPN: Transparent service that is ideal for improving online privacy, can be used to evade the Iranian government, strong desktop obfuscation, and open-source apps.
7. CyberGhost VPN: Virtual Iranian servers which can be used to get an IP address from the country. Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting, with a huge server network.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Iran, there are a number of services that can get the job done. We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Iran:

• Servers in Iran aren’t necessary, but the user must be able to access the provider safely while in the country 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task
• Streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass any blocks on sites from abroad 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Iran, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Iran

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top pick for Iran. The provider has opted against offering virtual servers in the region, but it does have a large network of 7,400+ servers in 118+ countries. 

If you’d like to remain as secure as possible while connected to Nord’s servers in Iran, it has features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. The former is essentially MultiHop, while the latter gives one-click access to the Tor network. 

Nord comes with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a sturdy kill switch. Meshnet allows the user to create a private tunnel between trusted devices, and it’s available without a subscription. Obfuscated servers are also helpful, and can be found from a list of Specialty Servers while using the OpenVPN protocol.

With speeds of roughly 200 Mbps, you’ll never have to worry about performance, and it can access a long list of blocked sites and services in Iran. These include social media, as well as streaming services like BBC iPlayer and US Netflix. 

There are NordVPN app for all devices, including browser extensions and strong security features. You’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re in need of port forwarding, and 10 simultaneous devices isn’t especially generous. Regardless, it ticks every box for accessing the web securely while in Iran.  

THE BEST VPN FOR IRAN: NordVPN is our top pick thanks to a varied range of privacy features. Double VPN, Tor over VPN, streaming access, Meshnet, fast speeds, and audited apps and infrastructure. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, although there are no Iranian servers to choose from. It does have 3,200+ RAM-only servers in a total of 100+ countries, making it easy to find a nearby location to connect with. 

You’ll be able to use a single Surfshark account with an unlimited number of devices, making it easy to share with friends or family if you’d prefer. This helps to cement its spot as the best budget option. Subscriptions are some of the cheapest you’ll find on the market. 

Streaming access is a major perk, whether you’re aiming to watch content from the United States, the UK, or elsewhere. Speeds of roughly 190 Mbps are notable, in spite of the low price. 

Camouflage Mode makes it appear as though the user isn’t using a VPN. Obfuscated servers work automatically when connected to Surfshark servers using OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocols. You’ll find apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.

Some server locations are slower than others, especially if you plan to connect to a more obscure country with fewer options to pick from. 

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR IRAN: Surfshark is a superb low-cost option for users in Iran or elsewhere. Servers in 100+ countries, unlimited device connections per account, streaming support, obfuscated servers, and Camouflage Mode. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN may not have any servers in Iran, but it’s still a suitable pick for anyone in the country who’d like to benefit from one of the more reliable providers on the market. It works with a long list of streaming services, and it’s tough to think of many platforms that the VPN can’t access from abroad. The same goes for many blocked websites and apps. You’ll find high-speed (175 Mbps) servers in 105+ countries. 

The provider is especially polished, with a custom protocol, a sturdy kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Rather than providing obfuscation in the traditional sense, the feature is available automatically with all server locations as long as you select OpenVPN UDP or OpenVPN TCP from the list of available protocols. This makes it easy to bypass online censorship safely, evading government surveillance in the process. 

ExpressVPN has long been a market leader, and that’s reflected in the high asking price of a monthly subscription. As of 2024, cheaper providers like Surfshark and NordVPN are comparable in most respects, making it harder to justify the increased outlay. It’s still a beginner-friendly service, albeit one that is more expensive than much of the competition. An account allows for up to eight simultaneous connections.

RELIABLE IRAN VPN: ExpressVPN is a reputable provider with a strong track record of accessing geo-blocked sites and services. Automatic obfuscation for Iran, servers in 105+ locations, and audited apps and infrastructure. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Mullvad improves online privacy thanks to strong encryption, and the ability to bypass censorship with a wide range of advanced features. For example, Bridge Mode is available with the OpenVPN protocol, sending your traffic through a Shadowsocks proxy to prevent your ISP from detecting VPN usage. This is perfect for remaining safe while you’re online in Iran. 

You’ll be able to sign up without an email address, while you can pay for a subscription using various cryptocurrencies. Another anonymous payment method is to send cash directly to the company via mail. 

With roughly 650+ servers in 49+ countries, it doesn’t have the largest network by any means. Mullvad is still one of the fastest VPN providers on the market, with average speeds of 660+ Mbps that keep it way ahead of the chasing pack.

However, the VPN isn’t a good option for streaming access, given that its sole aim is to improve online privacy. To that end, it comes with a strict no-logs policy, and the service has been audited on multiple occasions. It's another viable selection for Iranian internet users aiming to access social media sites, while apps are available for all major operating systems.  

ANONYMOUS IRANIAN VPN: Mullvad allows the user to sign up with no email address, and has a strict zero-logs policy to keep your data safe. Bridge Mode, impressive speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is a viable solution if you’re aiming to use a provider in Iran. It has roughly 12,000+ servers in a total of 117+ countries, offering support for streaming, BitTorrent, Tor, and more. 

There are lots of advanced features, including a permanent kill switch, port forwarding, and a VPN Accelerator. Average speeds of 320 Mbps make Proton one of the quickest VPNs on the market. Stealth is an undetectable VPN protocol that can bypass most firewalls and VPN blocking methods. You’ll also find NetShield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Further advanced security features include access to Tor, Secure Core servers, and strong encryption. 

Proton comes with three free server locations, which are found in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. Everything from speeds to streaming access is capped, but it’s helpful if you’d like to try out its various anti-censorship features. As well as Stealth, free users get access to Alternative Routing, which automatically detects any attempts to block your connection, rerouting your connection to gain access. 

You will have to pay a little extra for a premium subscription compared to the average provider, but it’s understandable given there are free locations that can be used in Iran and elsewhere. Paid plans allow for up to 10 simultaneous connections. 

ADVANCED IRANIAN VPN: Proton VPN has various advanced capabilities designed to improve privacy in countries like Iran. StealthVPN, streaming support, port forwarding, NetShield, and a trio of free server locations. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IVPN is another viable service for users in Iran. It notes:

“If you are unable to connect from a country where there may be a restrictive national firewall we recommend enabling the obfsproxy option from within the IVPN client.”

Obfsproxy obfuscates your VPN connection, making it look like a normal, unencrypted connection. However, obfsproxy is only available with its Windows, macOS, and Linux apps, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for support while using Android or iOS.

Additional IVPN features include AntiTracker, which blocks ads, web trackers, and malware. It offers open-source apps. All of its VPN servers are owned and operated by the provider, adding another layer of security while accessing online services. Use the WireGuard protocol to boost speeds. It comes with MultiHop and a solid kill switch. 

The only real flaw is that it can’t be used for streaming content via popular platforms such as Netflix US or Amazon Prime Video. If that’s a prerequisite, we’d advise looking at one of our top three options, or another alternative service like CyberGhost.

DESKTOP APPS FOR IRAN: IVPN is suitable for Iranian users thanks to features like obfsproxy, and it can be used to access lots of blocked sites and services like news websites. No logs, open-source apps for all devices, and fast speeds. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost VPN has a selection of 25+ virtual servers in Tehran. Rather than being physically located in the country, these are found elsewhere, but they can still get you an Iranian IP address. A virtual server is similar to a physical server in most respects, but is actually located elsewhere for jurisdictional reasons.

Its Iranian servers are P2P optimized, and it benefits from average server speeds of roughly 300 Mbps.

The provider is a superb pick if you’re aiming to access a particular streaming service from abroad, with labeled servers for platforms in a total of 22+ countries. For example, it works with sites like BBC iPlayer and Hulu, as well as accessing 9Now, 10Play, and Netflix in Australia. You'll also find apps for mobile devices, with decent security features such as DNS leak protection. 

CyberGhost comes with an automatic kill switch, as well as NoSpy servers, which are fully owned, operated, and controlled by the provider. It’s missing out on advanced security features like obfuscation, so it might not be the best option for prolonged usage in Iran itself. You'll find over 11,500 servers to pick from, with apps offering DNS leak protection and a reliable kill switch. 

IRANIAN IP ADDRESS: CyberGhost is a user-friendly provider with thousands of servers to pick from. Reliable option offering access to international streaming platforms and news websites, fast speeds, virtual locations in Tehran, and low-cost subscriptions. Comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Testing methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Iran 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria mean that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Iran:

• Obfuscated servers: Rather than focusing on providers with servers in Iran, we’ve looked at VPNs that can be accessed securely in the country. If you're in need, CyberGhost has Iranian servers that can be used to get an Iranian IP address from abroad. 
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds will ensure no lag, even if you’re connecting to servers located halfway around the world. The VPN needs to be reliable, especially if you’re planning to access content from abroad. Iran has particularly slow download speeds, with an average of 11.8 Mbps on fixed broadband. As such, faster server speeds are preferred. 
• Privacy: It's essential that your chosen VPN is a no-logs provider, protecting your privacy and allowing you to browse the internet anonymously. We've studied every VPN's logging policy extensively to ensure no logs are ever obtained by your Iranian ISP or the government.
• Security: We have ensured the VPNs in this list offer a range of security features, from leak protection to encryption and protocols. They must also provide a kill switch and the ability to select a VPN with Double VPN servers for additional security.
• Ease of use: All of the VPNs for Iran in this list are easy to use, making them good picks for VPN beginners. Signup and setup is quick and simple. Plus, you should have access to live chat and email support, including setup guides and troubleshooting help sections.
• Value for money: VPN providers should accommodate users of all budgets. All of our recommendations offer plenty of bang for your buck, especially if you take advantage of the discount codes in this article. They also all offer money-back guarantees.
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN in Iran 

VPNs might be a bit overwhelming for new users, but they’re easy to set up in practice. This is still true for anyone in Iran, even if some providers are illegal. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to set up a VPN for Iranian users. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN in Iran:

1. Firstly, you’ll need to find a VPN that works in Iran. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up with the service, and remember your login details. 
3. Download the relevant VPN app to your device. 
4. Sign in, and select an obfuscated VPN server. Wait to be connected. 
5. For Iranian users, we’d recommend ensuring that the kill switch is on at all times. It’s a good idea to check for obfuscated servers, or any additional privacy features. 

That’s all it takes to get started. You’ll be able to access content available in the region that you’re connected to, and your data will be encrypted in the process.

Why use an Iran VPN to bypass blocks?

In Iran, internet access is marred by pervasive online censorship, making it challenging for citizens to access unrestricted information and freely express their thoughts. Government authorities rigorously control internet access, employing a range of tactics to suppress the flow of information and maintain a grip on the nation's online sphere.

Internet censorship in Iran encompasses a wide range of content, including material critical of the government, independent journalism, and websites that diverge from Islamic culture and values. This stringent control extends to blocking popular Western services like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, effectively isolating Iranian citizens from the global digital community.

Content creators in Iran often face censorship and takedowns, stifling artistic expression and limiting access to alternative viewpoints. To exacerbate matters, Iran has a history of implementing social media blocks during elections, protests, and times of political unrest, hindering people from organizing dissent and disseminating vital information.

VPNs empower internet users to bypass geo-restrictions, granting access to global content, news, entertainment, educational resources, and other important restricted material while enhancing online privacy. This includes social media sites, and anything else the Iranian authorities have deemed worth censoring. 

However, it's crucial to bear in mind that using a VPN to circumvent online censorship may carry risks, so carefully consider the content you wish to access and ensure you do so only with a highly secure VPN. Using a VPN is done at your own discretion and risk.

Iran VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Iran?

Using a free VPN isn’t a good idea in Iran or anywhere else, especially if you’re trying to improve online privacy. Free providers have been known to sell user data, or may lack the encryption necessary to keep you safe in the first place. Many free VPN apps are glorified adverts for paid services, and there’s the possibility of malware if you download a random provider. 

Performance also tends to be an issue with free providers. You can expect slower server speeds, along with bandwidth caps. Streaming access also tends to be non-existent, given the IP addresses used by free VPNs are often blocked. 

Why use a VPN in Iran?

Given the stringent internet restrictions found in Iran, a VPN will be beneficial in a number of ways. You’ll be able to access lots of blocked services, including news apps, social media sites, and any other geo-restricted websites that are available while abroad. A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, and obfuscation can prevent your ISP from knowing that you’re connected to a provider in the first place.

Why does Iran block online content? 

Social media has been used to protest the government, such as when Iran decided to shut off the internet in parts of Tehran and Kurdistan in September 2022. Individual internet users have been targeted in Iran, whether they are blocked directly, or have their connection throttled. Internet service providers in Iran will block certain websites, apps, and services at the behest of government authorities. As such, it can be tough for Iranian internet users to access VPN services, as providers are often banned too.

Can I get an Iranian IP address with a VPN?

Yes, but there aren’t many trustworthy providers that offer coverage in Iran. You’ll be looking for a VPN with virtual servers in the country, so you won’t have to worry about any jurisdictional issues relating to your personal data. Of the providers listed above, CyberGhost has 25+ virtual servers in Tehran. These can be used to get an Iranian IP address from anywhere in the world. CyberGhost also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to try it out for yourself. 

Are VPNs legal in Iran? 

Some VPNs are legal in Iran, but only providers that are registered and approved by the government. The providers listed above don’t comply with Iranian logging laws, which makes them illegal while in the country. This is still the case even if the VPN is easy to download and set up within Iran.

We are not lawyers and nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Use a VPN in Iran at your own risk.