The Iranian government is infamous for restricting the internet for its citizens, which it does to suppress political opposition, limit access to social networks and foreign media that could spark dissent or revolution, and censor content it deems inappropriate for consumption. The best Iran VPN, however, can help you sidestep these restrictions and evade the government’s invasive online surveillance.
However, using a VPN that hasn’t been approved by the authorities is against the law in Iran. But if you choose a government-approved VPN, it’ll most likely be used by the government to spy on your online activities. That’s why you must be extremely careful when picking a VPN for Iran.
At Tom’s Guide, our experts have vast hands-on experience testing the best VPNs. We’ve done thorough research and considered various parameters to single out the top 5 VPNs for Iran in this guide. Read on to find out which VPN excels where, but if you’d like a short answer, our top three picks are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
The 3 best Iran VPNs at a glance
How we chose the best Iran VPNs
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
We've drawn on years of hands-on experience with VPNs, including how they're supposed to look and work in restrictive regimes, to identify the top 5 VPNs for Iran in this guide.
Our detail-oriented VPN testing approach weighed the VPN's core privacy features, including obfuscation and encryption, performance, unblocking capabilities, ease of use, and customer support, against its price to make sure we only recommend reliable and value-for-money providers.
We selected these factors because they’re the most mission-critical for users in Iran. For example, privacy features like encryption and obfuscation ensure you’re protected against prying eyes; high speeds keep buffering, lag, and latency to a minimum (crucial for gaming, streaming, and video-calling); and unblocking capabilities are important for those wanting access to region-locked content.
It’s worth noting that we download the VPN’s apps on every single compatible platform, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. Then, we evaluate the most important features for Iranian users, including the kill switch, obfuscation and encryption techniques, leak protection, and split tunneling.
Next, we perform multiple rounds of testing to make sure our assessment of the VPN’s speeds is as accurate as it can be. Finally, we test the provider's unblocking capabilities by, first, using a semi-automated tool and then trying to access region-restricted content from popular streaming services from different locations around the world.
In our latest update, we've thoroughly reviewed and refreshed all key information, such as server numbers, maximum speeds, and streaming capabilities, to ensure everything reflects the most recent data from both the VPN providers' official sources and our latest round of hands-on Iran VPN testing.
The 5 best Iran VPNs overall
What we like:
NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that hit it out of the park in every single aspect, which is why it's my top recommendation for those in and outside Iran. As one of the most secure VPNs, NordVPN has opted out of having servers in Iran because the country’s government only allows providers that submit themselves to regular monitoring and data sharing.
However, with over 7,700 servers in 154 locations around the world, including in Iran-bordering countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, you’ll never find NordVPN slowing you down. Nearby servers mean that your data will have to travel a shorter distance, which will result in a faster, more reliable connection. This is crucial in a region like Iran that already has a pretty throttled internet infrastructure.
Speaking of fast and reliable connections, NordVPN really is in a league of its own. In my latest tests, it clocked top speeds of over 950 Mbps thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is a custom-built version of the modern WireGuard protocol. These incredible speeds mean that no matter whether you’re streaming, gaming, or video calling to faraway locations, it’ll be seamless and buffer-free.
Perhaps most importantly for users in Iran, NordVPN offers sophisticated obfuscation technology. This feature, which the provider calls "NordWhisper," disguises your connection to look like regular, everyday internet traffic, hiding the very fact that you're using a VPN. This allows you to effectively sidestep the VPN ban in Iran and access the internet without being detected or blocked.
NordVPN also comes with a wealth of privacy and security features, including Double VPN (which routes your traffic through two servers, encrypting your data twice), AES-256 encryption (which scrambles your data to make it unreadable for snoopers), and Threat Protection Pro (which includes built-in blockers for malware, ads, and phishing attacks). What’s more, the provider also undergoes regular third-party audits to prove the legitimacy of its no-logs policy, which is a promise that NordVPN doesn’t log any sensitive user information.
Finally, NordVPN's unblocking power is similarly impressive. During my testing, I was able to access every single streaming service I tried it with. This included international giants like Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and more), Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus, as well as regional channels like 9Now and 10 Play. For Iranians, this means unrestricted access to global news, social media, and entertainment platforms that are otherwise censored.
What could improve:
No service is perfect, and NordVPN has a few quirks worth mentioning. First, I want to talk about Nord’s slightly awkward mobile apps. They’re fantastic and powerful, no doubt, but their map-like interface is admittedly better suited for the bigger screens of tablets and desktop.
It feels cramped on a smartphone display, making it tricky to pinpoint specific server locations. That said, it’s only a minor grip and ultimately a matter of personal preference, but it's a noticeable difference from the slicker mobile apps of some rivals, especially ExpressVPN.
A more significant downside of using NordVPN is its steep price hike upon renewal. While it has very attractive introductory offers, the cost can jump considerably once your initial term is up. To keep getting the best price, you have to cancel your subscription and sign up again as a "new" customer, which is a hassle.
Furthermore, while NordVPN's basic package, which includes just the high-speed VPN, is much cheaper than ExpressVPN, if you want the full NordVPN experience, combined with Threat Protection Pro, password manager, and encrypted cloud storage, you'll have to shell out a whopping $6.99 a month. In this case, ExpressVPN, which includes all its features in a single, straightforward plan for $4.99 per month, comes out to be better value for money.
Lastly, NordVPN allows for 10 simultaneous connections, which, while on par with the industry standard, doesn't come close to providers like Surfshark and PIA that offer unlimited connections. Plus, they're more than twice as cheap as NordVPN, making them a better choice for users looking to protect a large number of devices or share an account with family.
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want a fast Iran VPN. With top speeds of over 950 Mbps, NordVPN will support every single activity of yours, be it streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
✅ You want an all-in-one security suite. NordVPN offers a wide range of extras, including a password manager, malware protection, and cyber insurance.
✅ You want the best VPN for streaming. NordVPN effortlessly and reliably unblocked streaming sites in our testing.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You dislike price hikes. NordVPN offers fantastic value for money, but it’s not the cheapest option (check out Surfshark and PIA), plus you’ll have to deal with steep price jumps on renewal.
❌ You want a VPN with simple mobile apps. NordVPN’s mobile apps can feel a little cramped compared to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
What we like:
Surfshark stands out as the premier choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly solution (you can grab a two-year Surfshark subscription for just $1.99 per month plus tax) without compromising on the level of privacy, security, performance, and unblocking capabilities offered by the premium players like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
While Surfshark strategically avoids placing servers within Iran for security reasons, it has one of the most robust server networks in the surrounding region, with a strong presence in the UAE, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. In total, Surfshark has a well-distributed network of over 3,200 servers in 141 locations across 100 countries, ensuring reliable connections wherever you are.
One of Surfshark's most compelling aspects is its suite of advanced features designed for restrictive environments. Its Camouflage Mode, for instance, provides powerful VPN obfuscation, concealing your VPN usage from Iranian ISPs and other snoopers. On top of this, its No Borders feature can prove to be invaluable in Iran, seeing as it regularly monitors your connection and sniffs out whenever you're on a restricted network. Then, it automatically connects you to a server optimized to perform best under those conditions.
To elevate user anonymity even further, you can use Surfshark's rotating IP feature, which changes your IP address every few minutes. This makes it virtually impossible for anyone to track your online activities or even detect that you're using a VPN.
Surfshark delivered exceptional results in our speed tests. It served up eye-watering speeds of over 950 Mbps when using the WireGuard protocol on a 1 Gbps line. When tested on a 10 Gbps line, it pushed past 1,300 Mbps, cementing its position as the fastest VPN on the market. You can rest easy knowing that you don't have to worry about buffering or lag when streaming in HD, torrenting, or knocking out enemies in high-octane online games.
Surfshark also stands out from the competition by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it an unbeatable value proposition for large households with lots of devices or for tourist groups traveling to Iran.
Finally, Surfshark excels at unblocking geo-restricted content as one of the best streaming VPNs, too. In my streaming tests, it flawlessly unblocked streaming platforms from across the globe, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer among many more. Whether you're in Iran and wish to access your favorite overseas movies and shows, or you're in the UK and want to enjoy a classic Middle Eastern movie over the weekend, Surfshark has got you covered.
What could improve:
Although Surfshark offers very attractive introductory prices, if you want to continue using it beyond your initial subscription term, you'll be better off cancelling and resubscribing. That's because while first-time buyers pay just $1.99 per month (plus taxes) for a two-year plan, repeat customers have to shell out $6.60 per month plus tax.
Additionally, Surfshark isn't nearly as customizable as providers like PIA and Proton VPN. Sure, this might not really bother the casual VPN users or beginners for whom Surfshark is, in fact, a brilliant option considering its ease of use. However, the VPN pros looking for deep customization might not find Surfshark up to the mark.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You want a budget Iran VPN. Prices start from just $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription, making Surfshark the best value for money VPN on this list.
✅ You need to protect a lot of devices. Surfshark allows you to log into an unlimited number of devices at the same time. It’s one of the very few VPNs to do so.
✅ You want the best speeds in the industry. With speeds of up to 1,300 Mbps in our testing, Surfshark is comfortably the best VPN in terms of performance.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You want to avoid price hikes. Surfshark’s initial value for money is second to none, but its prices climb up significantly after your first term is up.
❌ You want a VPN you can customize. Surfshark’s unmatched ease of use comes at the cost of having a lot of options for configuration.
What we like:
ExpressVPN is hands down the best option if you're looking for the simplest and most seamless VPN experience possible. Its set-and-forget design allows you to connect to a secure VPN server – of which there are 3,000 in 160 locations worldwide – with just a single tap on the app's home screen, regardless of the device you're using. This interface stays consistent, too, meaning there's no re-learning process if you download the VPN app on a different device to th eone you usually use.
Like other top providers, ExpressVPN, too, has excused itself from having a server in Iran, but it more than makes up for it by offering servers in Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the UAE, which are all very close to Iran and therefore will have little to no impact on your connection speeds.
Speaking of servers, every single one of ExpressVPN's servers is RAM-only (TrustedServer technology). This means that any data that's on them gets wiped off after every reboot, so even if a government agency orders them to submit user data, there would be nothing to provide.
In fact, anonymity and security are a big priority for ExpressVPN. AES-256 encryption, plenty of protocols to pick from, a super-reliable kill switch (Network Lock) that will protect your data from leaking in case of an accidental connection drop, IPv6 leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy: ExpressVPN has it all.
It's also worth noting that ExpressVPN has had its no-logs policy independently audited by a reputable third party over 18 times now. That's the most by any VPN provider we've tested, and it shows ExpressVPN's commitment to transparency and customer trust.
Combined with excellent post-quantum encryption and useful cybersecurity extras like a password manager, an ad and tracker blocker, an adult site blocker, ID theft insurance, and personal data leak monitoring, ExpressVPN does more than enough to deserve one of the top spots in our list of the most private VPNs.
While it may not be the absolute speediest VPN on the market, it's incredibly close. With top speeds of over 898 Mbps in our latest testing, you can rest assured that ExpressVPN is perfectly capable of handling everything you can throw at it, and it won't slow you down one bit.
What could improve:
The biggest downside of ExpressVPN is its price. A 28-month plan (which includes four free months) comes out to be $4.99 per month, which is significantly more expensive than the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark. So, if you only want a rock-solid VPN and money is a top consideration, ExpressVPN might not be the best choice.
However, if you're looking for more than just a VPN and are keen on using all the extras ExpressVPN offers, such as a password manager, cyber insurance, and ad and tracker blockers, then it comes out to be great value for money, especially considering that a comparable plan with NordVPN will cost you upwards of $6.99 per month.
One letdown was the fact that ExpressVPN was unable to unblock ITVX, a UK-based streaming platform, in my latest tests. The provider also struggled with the Netflix Australia and Japan libraries and was only able to get past them when I switched servers. It's not a huge red flag – because the VPN eventually got across – but if you'd prefer a smoother streaming experience, go for NordVPN or Surfshark.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You want a straightforward VPN. As the best VPN for beginners, ExpressVPN makes it incredibly easy to get protected and unblock foreign content in Iran.
✅ You want class-leading privacy in Iran. Brilliant obfuscation, AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and robust kill switches will protect you no matter where you are.
✅ You want tons of free extras. ExpressVPN cranks up its value for money by bundling a password manager, ID theft insurance, a data removal service, and ad, tracker, and malware blocking.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You’re on a budget. If you’re only looking for a VPN, meaning the bundled extras aren’t a selling point for you, then you’ll be better off with Surfshark or PIA instead of ExpressVPN.
❌ You want to protect a lot of devices. You can only protect up to 8 devices at a time with ExpressVPN. For large households,Surfshark and PIA, which come with unlimited connections, are better options.
What we like:
Proton VPN, through a series of core VPN and usability updates in the last few months, is now a full-blown VPN service perfect for use regardless of your location and use case. Currently, it has over 13,000 servers in its arsenal, with hundreds dotted across Iran's bordering countries like Turkey, Pakistan, and the UAE, as well as Iraq and Turkmenistan.
Iranians will, first and foremost, appreciate Proton VPN's tight security credentials. In addition to a verified no-logs policy and open-source apps on all devices (this means anyone can inspect the apps' codes and verify their privacy claims), Proton VPN comes with a full suite of anti-censorship features.
My personal favorite is the Stealth protocol, which is Proton's proprietary twist on VPN obfuscation. It completely hides your VPN usage, making life easier for those in Iran or other countries like Russia and Belarus where VPN usage is closely monitored.
Through its discrete app feature, Proton VPN allows you to disguise the app as an innocuous background app. This could be a lifesaver in the unlikely event a government agent seizes your device and inspects it for the presence of a VPN app. Although rare, such occurrences aren't as uncommon as you might think, especially in restrictive regimes.
Combined with a censorship-resistant CAPTCHA system and Secure Core (special servers that route your traffic through secure locations – Sweden, Switzerland, or Iceland – before connecting you to your destination), Proton VPN is a perfect digital buddy to crank up your peace of mind when using the internet in Iran.
It's not all work and no play with Proton VPN. The provider is also among the best streaming VPNs we've tested. It effortlessly completed a clean sweep of streaming services when we tested it recently. Plus, with top speeds of over 950 Mbps, Proton VPN is also on par with the fastest services going around.
What could improve:
Proton VPN has admittedly come a long way to now compete with the best in the business, but at $3.59 per month, it's still an expensive purchase. Although its plans offer access to several premium Proton products, such as encrypted cloud storage from Proton Drive, a secure password manager and identity protection from Proton Pass, and a private inbox from Proton Mail, if you're only after a VPN service to connect in and out of Iran, your wallet will thank you for choosing Surfshark or PIA instead.
Despite its relatively high cost, Proton VPN doesn't offer 24/7 live chat. This means that you could be left waiting for a long time before a human customer support agent gets in touch with you and solves your query, which could even be one that requires immediate assistance, such as connectivity issues.
Lastly, while Proton VPN's free version is generally one of the best free VPNs around, it will hardly make your life any easier if you're in or around Iran because it doesn't provide access to a server in that region. Also, it doesn't come with any unblocking powers, nor does it include Proton VPN's Stealth protocol, which is crucial for anonymity in Iran.
🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for all the details.
Buy Proton VPN if:
✅ You want an extremely secure VPN. Thanks to its long list of anti-censorship tools, Proton VPN is a great choice to use in Iran.
✅ You want a large server network. With over 13,000 servers in 122 countries, including those around Iran, Proton VPN has arguably the most well-distributed server network.
✅ You want a VPN for Linux. Proton VPN is among those few VPNs that come with a full-blown graphical user interface (GUI), meaning it’s a great Linux VPN, too.
Don't buy Proton VPN if:
❌ You want an affordable VPN. At $3.59 per month for a two-year subscription, Proton VPN is one of the pricier VPNs on this list.
❌ You want 24/7 support. Those new to VPNs can find it frustrating to have to wait before an agent resolves their query.
What we like:
Private Internet Access is an ideal choice if you're looking for one of the most private VPNs to keep you safe in Iran while also providing you access to international streaming libraries, websites, and apps otherwise banned in the country.
In addition to a rock-solid kill switch and a variety of VPN protocols to choose from, PIA stands out as the only VPN provider on this list that has proven its no-logs policy in court, which it has done so twice. When authorities served it with an order to provide them access to user data, PIA upheld the privacy of its users by providing nothing to the authorities – because it hadn't stored any data to begin with.
PIA is also great atsafeguarding your DNS queries from exploitation and preventing them from leaking. It does so using encrypted DNS servers, which I tested firsthand and found that they work exactly as advertised.
While PIA doesn't have the wealth of extra cybersecurity tools that NordVPN or ExpressVPN have, its MACE feature (which blocks ads, trackers, and malware) is a handy addition, as it adds an extra layer of protection to your internet experience within the super-invasive Iranian borders.
During our time preparing the Private Internet Access review, we found that the VPN is tailor-made for experienced VPN users who'd revel in the joy of having several customization options to play with. These include port forwarding, which, combined with P2P support on every one of PIA's servers, makes PIA a great torrenting VPN. So, even if you're in Iran, you'll enjoy the option to download your favorite movies, shows, and games thanks to improved seeding and download speeds.
The best part, though, is that PIA does all this for a fraction of the cost of premium VPNs. You can get a two-year PIA subscription for just $2.19 per month, plus the VPN, unlike other providers we've tested, doesn't increase its prices upon renewal. Also, you can use a single PIA subscription to protect as many devices as you want thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections.
What could improve:
One of my biggest complaints with PIA is its slightly underwhelming streaming performance, especially considering its performance in previous streaming tests, which saw it unblock every streaming service we tested it with, with no issues..
This time around, though, PIA had issues with almost every single UK-based streaming service, including iPlayer, ITVX, and All4. Although I was able to access BBC iPlayer and ITVX by switching to PIA's streaming-optimized UK server, there was nothing I could do to make All4 work. Similarly, Amazon Prime Video only worked when I used the US West streaming-optimized server. For a completely flawless streaming experience, I recommend NordVPN and Surfshark.
PIA's ease of use is also rather subjective. While a straightforward "quick connect" button does make things simpler for VPN newbies, a jam-packed settings menu is clearly there to appease the more experienced VPN users. Plus, there are some quirks I found annoying, such as the fact that PIA's Windows app automatically hides when you use it on desktop. Overall, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are my go-to for simplicity.
Performance-wise, too, PIA doesn't quite measure up to the competition. It could only reach 436 Mbps on WireGuard when I last tested it, as compared to near-gigabit speeds of NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. That said, if you're on a regular home connection, you'll hardly notice any difference. For those with access to ultra-fast internet, though, PIA could feel a tad bit slow.
🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for all the details.
Buy Private Internet Access if:
✅ You’re a bargain hunter. At $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription, PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list.
✅ You want a VPN you can use across a lot of devices. PIA doesn’t limit the number of devices you can use it on at any given time, making it perfect for travel groups and large households.
✅ You want a configurable VPN. With a huge assortment of customization options, PIA is perfect for those who want to set up their connection firsthand.
Don't buy Private Internet Access if:
❌ You like simplicity. PIA comes with a huge amount of customization, meaning it’s not as ideal for beginners as ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You want to stream content on All4. In my latest round of testing, PIA was unable to sidestep All4’s geo-restrictions.
Can I use a free VPN for Iran?
It's not recommended to use a free VPN in Iran because they lack the required security and performance needed to keep you safe and provide access to blocked content under the strict internet censorship of the Iranian government.
Unfortunately, the market is filled with unscrupulous free VPNs that lack proper encryption and essential security features such as obfuscation and a kill switch. This will make it extremely easy for ISPs and government agencies in Iran to track and monitor your online traffic.
Even worse, some free VPNs are outright malicious in that they may store your data and sell it to third parties, like advertisers and data brokers, for a profit. This is why it's important to understand the intent behind a free VPN. If the free version is a marketing tactic to get you to buy a paid-for VPN, that's generally the most ideal scenario. However, if the provider only has a free VPN, we'd say that's a red flag because a visible lack of a revenue stream usually means there's something fishy going on under the hood.
Also, even the best free VPNs that are 100% safe and proven to protect your data from falling into the hands of snoopers are of little to no use in Iran. That's because they usually come with throttled speeds, a small selection of server locations, and data caps. For example, Proton VPN Free, which is otherwise a great choice as a free VPN, is no use in Iran because it doesn't offer any servers anywhere close to the country.
Plus, they're incapable of sidestepping geo-restrictions and unblocking overseas streaming platforms, social media apps, and VoIP services, which is of utmost importance in a restrictive regime like Iran.
Are VPNs legal in Iran?
Using a VPN that hasn't received explicit authorization from the government is illegal in Iran. The ruling was passed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 20, 2024, and the resolution was issued by the country's National Virtual Space Center.
That said, it's ill-advised to use a VPN that has been approved by the Iranian government because it's not going to keep your browsing private. In all likelihood, the VPN is going to be used by the authorities to keep an eye on your online activities, which defeats the purpose of using a virtual private network in the first place.
What is the best VPN for Iran in 2025?
According to our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for Iran (and everything else, too). It boasts a large server network, with hundreds of servers in Iran's neighboring countries, like Pakistan, Turkey, and the UAE; some of the fastest VPN connection speeds in the industry; and a comprehensive security suite that comes included with nifty extras, such as double encryption, built-in malware and ad blocking, and even cyber insurance, alongside an audited no-logs policy and brilliant obfuscation technology.
NordVPN is also an excellent streaming VPN. It'll give you easy and reliable access to foreign content, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, when you're out and about in Iran. In addition to being very reasonably priced (prices start from $3.39 per month plus tax for a two-year plan), NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free before committing.
Why don’t big-name VPNs have servers in Iran?
Popular VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, among others, don't have physical servers inside Iran because that would expose them to government control, surveillance, and tampering.
It's worth noting that only VPNs approved by the Iranian government can operate within the country. But it makes little sense to use such VPNs because becoming government-approved simply means that they can be used by the authorities to spy on your online activities and collect your private data.
So, top VPNs avoid having servers in Iran in order to maintain their no-logs and data security guarantees. While a lack of servers in Iran means that you cannot use these VPNs from outside Iran to access local Iranian content, it has zero impact on the VPN’s ability to protect those inside Iran.
They have tons of servers in Iran's bordering countries, like Pakistan, Turkey, and the UAE, so you'll have plenty of fast nearby servers to connect to. Also, because these VPNs have servers everywhere else in the world, Iranians can use them to stream their favorite movies and shows, as well as access the apps and websites otherwise banned in the country.
How does a VPN work for Iran?
A VPN helps users in Iran stay safe online and bypass government-imposed internet restrictions by encrypting their data and masking their IP address. All you have to do to set up the VPN on your device is install the application, grant it the necessary permissions, launch the app, and connect to a server of your choice.
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through secure servers operated by the VPN provider instead of going directly through your local internet service provider (ISP). This rerouting hides your real IP address and location, making it appear as though you’re browsing from another country. For example, if you're in Iran and connect to a server in Germany, websites and apps will think you're accessing them from Germany.
It's worth noting that the VPN sends your information through an encrypted tunnel, which scrambles your data. This makes it virtually impossible for snoopers to understand it even if they manage to intercept it.
In addition to safeguarding your data, a VPN's IP cloaking feature also allows you to reach content and services that are otherwise blocked or restricted in Iran, such as global news websites, social media platforms, and streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
How to choose the right Iran VPN?
First and foremost, look for obfuscated servers (which hide the fact that you're using a VPN) in nearby countries, like Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates. Remember, no reputable VPN has a physical server inside Iran because the government there only allows VPN companies that agree to being exploited, meaning they willingly log and submit the online activities and personal data of their users to the authorities.
In addition to hundreds of servers in Iran's bordering countries, the VPN should also have thousands of servers strategically located across the globe. A large server network will help you find a speedy local server no matter where you are, plus it will also allow you access to all big- and small-name streaming sites, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, 9Now, and 10 Play.
Given that you'll be connecting to servers in nearby countries, it’s a good idea to pick a VPN that's fast so that the distance between the server and your device doesn't impact your online experience. High speeds will ensure you do not face any buffering or lag while streaming, gaming, or even torrenting.
Do not settle for a VPN with below-average privacy and security settings. Make sure the provider offers a variety of protocols, military-grade encryption, a reliable kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an independently audited no-logs policy.
Last but not least, consider the amount you're willing to pay for an Iran VPN. While providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN come at a premium, they also offer a wealth of extra cybersecurity tools, like a password manager, blockers for ads and malware, ID theft insurance, data breach monitoring, etc. However, if you're on a tight budget and more than happy to work with a simple, rock-solid VPN service, Surfshark and PIA are awesome choices.
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The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
Anthony Spadafora is the Senior Security and Networking Editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and malware to password managers. He also undertakes VPN testing for Tom's Guide and TechRadar, which includes running all of our US-based speed tests.
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
