If you’re looking for a VPN for use in Turkey, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll show you the Top 7 options to use there helping you make a choice.
If you have always lived in Turkey, you live there temporarily, or even if you’re just traveling through Turkey for a while, this guide will help you get the best of your internet connection.
Most importantly, the providers listed here will allow you to protect your privacy when connected in Turkey and avoid the censorship that is ever increasing across the country.
In the past few years, popular websites such as Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter find themselves regularly blocked in the country, and messaging apps like Whatsapp also find themselves out of service at times of unrest.
To combat this and avoid Turkish internet censorship, access Netflix, and alike – you should consider one of the following 7 VPN providers.
Top 7 VPNs for Turkey
RANK | PROVIDER | PRICE | COUNTRY LOCATIONS | SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | ![]() | $2.99 /mo | 62 | 6 | VISIT |
2. | ![]() | $2.99 /mo | 63 | ∞ | VISIT |
3. | ![]() | $2.75 /mo | 60 | 7 | VISIT |
4. | ![]() | $6.49 /mo | 60 | ∞ | VISIT |
5. | ![]() | $5.00 /mo | 64 | 5 | VISIT |
6. | ![]() | $6.67 /mo | 94 | 5 | VISIT |
7. | ![]() | $3.75 /mo | 21 | 6 | VISIT |
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is, without a doubt, the best VPNs for Turkey. In fact, it is one of the best VPNs, in general and our top choice for Turkey.
The service is based in Panama, which is a very privacy-friendly country. As such, it can promise a no-logs policy and deliver on that promise. In other words, it will not sell out your privacy in exchange for a bit of money, which is very important for a VPN.
It is effortless to use, while it still has all the security features and privacy tools that you could ever want, such as a kill switch, security protocols, AES encryption, and more.
NordVPN is very fast, which makes it perfect for streaming, torrenting, or unblocking restricted content. Its massive server network allows you to unblock virtually anything, including foreign Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other services that will enable you to replace traditional TV.
It features over 5441 NordVPN servers, in 59 different countries.
As far as server locations are concerned, NordVPN offers only one location in Turkey. However, it still has 8 different servers in Turkey, so you can easily hide your IP address and browse the local content anonymously.
When it comes to price, NordVPN is exceptionally cheap and offers some excellent deals. It even has a 30-day money-back guarantee, if you decide that you do not wish to use it after paying for it.
Just contact the service’s customer support via 24/7 live chat and request a refund.
It is also worth noting that NordVPN currently has a deal that lets you get 3 months extra free if you choose its 2-year plan. Those 3 months extra free makes this deal particularly attractive since that means that you get 27 months for only $89.
It is available for a variety of devices and systems, including PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV, browsers, routers, and more. And, since it allows you six simultaneous connections, you can protect most devices in your household, secure your internet access, and take back your internet freedom.
Our #1 Recommended VPN
30-day money back guarantee
2. Surfshark
Next, we have Surfshark another great Turkey VPN rich with security features that can help you hide your online activities, even from your internet service providers.
Surfshark is located in the British Virgin Islands, and as such, it also has a very favorable no-logging policy that it can afford to maintain.
Surfshark has it all, support for P2P sharing, it is easy to use, it has military-grade AES encryption, multiple security protocols, and it even allows you unlimited simultaneous connections.
While most VPN services only allow between 3 and 10 simultaneous connections, Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want with a single license.
There is also a kill switch, which will make using a VPN that much safer, as your connection will be instantly cut off if the app malfunctions for any reason. The service is also slightly cheaper than most other top-ranking VPNs, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is always great to have, just in case you change your mind about using it.
In terms of servers, Surfshark has over 3,200 VPN servers in 65 different countries. It has a number of servers in Turkey, although it doesn’t specify their locations or exact number. It did reveal that they are P2P servers, so you can connect locally to hide your activity while torrenting.
Lastly, you will be happy to know that its obfuscated servers are also great for unblocking streaming services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
You can use Surfshark to access them from iOS, Android, Linux PC, Mac, Smart TV, and a variety of other devices. And, if you ever have any problems, just contact its customer support. It is available via a 24/7 live chat and always ready to secure your VPN traffic, solve problems, and more.
3. CyberGhost
In the third spot, we have CyberGhost, a Romanian VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, numerous security protocols, and one of the industry’s largest server networks. It is an excellent choice of a VPN in Turkey, or anywhere else in the world.
Its server network consists of 6600 servers in 89 different countries, with a total of 110 different locations.
Naturally, it has servers in Turkey, and you will be happy to learn that there are 40 Turkish servers at the time of writing (2023).
Like the others on this list, CyberGhost has a strict no-logging policy, which means that it will hide all of your internet activities. Its native country of Romania allows it to maintain this no-logs policy, as it is very privacy-friendly.
Another thing that CyberGhost stands out for is its 45-day money-back guarantee, which allows you plenty of time to have an excellent internet experience before deciding whether you want to keep using a VPN or not.
As one of the best VPNs in the industry, it works on PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TV, browsers, and numerous other devices and systems.
It is fast and great for streaming US Netflix, UK’s BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video content, as well as many other foreign streaming services. It is also good at unblocking other things, such as news websites, adult content, or anything else that the Turkish government may have blocked.
You are also protected by excellent security features such as kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more. Lastly, CyberGhost lets you establish 7 simultaneous connections, making it a good VPN to protect your entire family. Just connect to any VPN server, and the VPN will be fully functional.
4. IPVanish
If you’re looking for fast VPNs for use in Turkey, then IPVanish should be one place you look.
With over 60 countries worldwide and more than 600 servers, there is plenty of choice for Turkish users. IPVanish offers servers in Turkey itself in Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir and is one of the biggest providers to support Turkish VPN servers.
If you want to tunnel out of the country to avoid restrictions and censorship, nearby Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Greece will fit the bill.
IPVanish has software for Windows and Mac meaning you’ll be able to access websites such as Facebook, Youtube, Netflix, Twitter and other social media platforms without issue and apps for Android and iOS so if you want to access censored apps such as Whatsapp, then this will also be possible.
IPVanish costs US$6.49 per month if you take a yearly package or $10 if you want to pay monthly.
Desktop software has the option to obfuscate OpenVPN connections which will significantly increase the possibility to bypass censorship.
Other noteworthy features are their 30-day money-back guarantee that will allow you to test the service risk-free and they allow you to have unlimited concurrent connections meaning your whole family can make use of the one service.
5. VyprVPN
VyprVPN comes in as a good provider because their circumvention methods are great for Turkey.
The service has a unique mode called Chameleon that alters the headers of an OpenVPN connection allowing you to bypass any deep censorship that Turkey may choose to put in place in the future.
Usually, this mode is for countries such as China and Iran. Still, if the Turkish government attempts to ramp up the censorship methods, then Chameleon will definitely allow you to break free.
VyprVPN has more than 70 global locations available. A Turkish server is available in Istanbul and servers nearby are available in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Israel, and Egypt.
Some of the easiest software I’ve used is available for Windows and Mac and apps for Android and iOS look the same so using the service over a range of devices is a simple affair.
Prices on the service are comparable to the competition and they allow you to trial their service for up to 30-day risk-free with their money back guarantee.
6. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN takes a leading position in my Best VPN for Turkey options.
ExpressVPN servers are available in over 89 countries, making them one of the biggest VPN providers, which means for use in Turkey you have plenty of choices.
Like the other providers, servers are available in Turkey itself with a range of countries in the surrounding region that will be suitable for good speeds and bypass censorship.
ExpressVPN doesn’t have any specific modes like the other providers that will help you bypass censorship as such. Still, the standard service works in Turkey as of the date of this article so you will be able to bypass censorship as standard.
The earlier two providers have a bit of an advantage because if Turkey ramps up its censorship efforts, others are likely to break through. In contrast, ExpressVPN will have to make alterations to stay working – worth considering.
On a plus side, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test the service for a reasonable length of time. ExpressVPN also offers software for Windows and Mac and apps for Android and iOS with the bonus addition of software for Linux.
ExpressVPN will set you back $6.67 per month by taking a yearly package or $12.95 when paying monthly.
7. VPN.ac
VPN.ac round up my selection of VPN providers for Turkey and they’re a provider with a difference.
Unlike the six providers listed above, VPN.ac are a lesser-known VPN service. Even though they’re lesser known, they’re actually one of the best services because of the speeds and reliability.
Being lesser known means that if Turkey attempts to block VPN services, then they’re unlikely to be affected and as such will allow you to continue to beat censorship.
On the downside, being a smaller provider means there are fewer server options in the region. There is no Turkish server and the closest servers are available in Romania and Italy. This isn’t a huge problem but it means you won’t be able to get top speeds.
On the plus side, the service is incredibly cheap when taking a yearly package and works out at just $4.90 per month. If you want to pay monthly, then you’re looking at $9 a month.
Software is available for Windows and Mac with mobile apps for Android and iOS.
How to choose a VPN for Turkey
In order to choose the best VPNs for Turkey, you need to keep an eye out for some of their specific VPN features. For example, you should inspect their:
1. Servers in Turkey or nearby
Having servers in Turkey itself, or nearby is very important.
With Turkish servers, you can browse local content even though you changed your IP address. Connecting to another country would provide you with an IP address native to that specific country, so you will only be able to access content available there.
Having servers in nearby countries is also essential, as it can have a significant impact on your internet speed. The closer the physical server in the real world is, the lesser the distance that data needs to travel between it and your device, so the speeds can get considerably faster.
2. No-logs policy
No-logs policy is also a very desirable feature of a VPN service. Without it, there is no telling what a VPN service could do with your browsing information, thus endangering your privacy and internet freedom.
VPNs located in countries that are 14 Eyes Alliance members could even be forced to give your data to the government,
All the best VPNs for Turkey have a strict no-logging policy, and that makes them safe, even when it comes to your internet service provider.
3. Apps for your device
We all have numerous devices that can connect to the internet. Using them safely means using a VPN to hide your activities and gain access to the free internet.
This is why it is crucial to choose a service that allows VPN use on as many devices as possible.
Once you establish a VPN connection, you will be free to access anything you want, including streaming services like Netflix, or some website that might be blocked in Turkey. Your internet access will be secured, and your IP address is hidden and replaced with the one owned by a VPN.
4. Money back guarantee
A money-back guarantee is also a must-have when it comes to using a VPN in Turkey. Most VPN services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, although some may offer longer or shorter-lasting ones, depending on the service.
With most premium VPNs not offering free trials, a money-back guarantee allows you to experience their service and still get a refund if you discover that they are not satisfactory enough.
5. Kill Switch
Lastly, we have a kill switch. Now, kill switches allow you to use a VPN more safely, as they cut off your internet connection if the app malfunctions.
That way, your data will not leak if encryption or security protocols stop working, your IP address will not get exposed, and not even the website that you visited will know who you are.
Why do I need a VPN for Turkey?
Another thing that you might be wondering is why you need a VPN in Turkey in the first place? We have come up with four critical reasons why to use a VPN, and those include:
1. Unblock social media
Unfortunately, Turkey is not known for being particularly censorship-resistant, and social media often gets randomly blocked.
The country is actually in the middle of passing a law that would allow it to control specific platforms to a greater extent than ever. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube will have to comply with the Turkish government’s request if they don’t want to be blocked in the country.
That means blocking or removing content per request, which will directly interfere with all those who use social networks for accessing news and similar reasons.
2. Stay private online
VPN can do more than help you access content that is blocked in Turkey. It can also help you keep your online privacy and protect yourself from the Turkish government.
If you use the internet without a VPN, your internet provider knows what you are doing. Any website that you access knows who you are.
Sooner or later, all that information will get back to the Turkish government. You won’t be in any danger if you did nothing wrong, of course, but this level of surveillance is not only uncomfortable, it is a violation of your privacy.
Since there is nothing much that you can do legally speaking, you can at least use a VPN to hide from the Turkish government, and achieve a small victory. Not to mention that the Turkish government is not above arresting people who speak freely. Even blogging can get you in serious trouble.
One case from 2013 saw the Turkish police arrest 25 people for using Twitter to speak against the government and call for protests.
3. Watch overseas movies
On a slightly lighter note, you can also use VPN in Turkey to access foreign content, such as movies, TV shows, and alike. We mentioned that most top VPNs can get you access to Netflix by hiding your IP address and making you seem like you are located in different countries.
In doing so, Netflix will think that you should have access to its catalog for that country, and grant you access to otherwise blocked content in Turkey. Note that this has nothing to do with the government, it is simply Netflix’s capabilities based on licenses that it has for different content.
Netflix’s website offers very different content to different regions. So, while both you and a US citizen pay the same price, Turkey can only access 194 TV shows and 511 movies. On the other hand, the US has access to 1761 TV shows and over 4090 movies. But, in order to access it, you need a VPN.
After acquiring one, you will be able to watch Netflix on iOS, Android, Linux, and many other systems.
4. Bypass censorship
Lastly, you can use a VPN to bypass censorship. We already mentioned that Turkey can block sites like Twitter and Facebook, but this is far from the full extent of the country’s censorship.
Turkey has also been known to ban gambling sites, adult content, torrenting sites, and anything else that it deems inappropriate.
VPNs can help you bypass any form of censorship, whether it comes from the government, or the owner of private networks, such as the ones offered by schools, universities, or workplaces.
Is using a VPN legal in Turkey?
Fortunately, yes. VPN is still legal in Turkey, although for a time, this was quite a debatable topic. You see, back in 2016, Turkey wanted to ban VPN technology, as well as the anonymous browser, Tor.
Fortunately, VPN tech remains legal to this day, as banning it would also mean that companies and other entities that need them would not be able to use them legally.
We do not know of any incident involving anyone getting into trouble for using VPN in Turkey, which likely means that the government has calmed down about the whole VPN issue, at least for now.
How to get and use a VPN in Turkey
Obtaining and using a VPN in Turkey is, fortunately, very easy. In fact, anyone can do it in only a few steps, which are:
1) Choose a VPN
The first thing that you need to do is select a VPN. You want one with a strong, AES 256-bit encryption, robust protocols, an extensive network, and other things we spoke of.
You have a number of links on our site that will take you to excellent services. For this purpose, we will use NordVPN.
2) Sign up
Start by going to the NordVPN website and signing up.
It’s worth remembering the longer you subscribe the bigger the discount you can achieve.
3) Get the app
Next, you will have to get a VPN app. Choose a platform you wish to use and download the app from the NordVPN website, or search your usual app store.
Install it with the help of the installation wizard, launch it, and log in with the credentials provided by NordVPN.
4) Connect
The last step is simple. Once inside the app, you will see a world map, showing all server locations that this VPN offers. You can select a server in Turkey, or elsewhere, and just click/tap it to connect.
After that, you will be free to use the internet in any way you see fit, and visit any website that you want, as long as you are connected to a server in a country that doesn’t have it blocked.
Is there a free VPN for Turkey?
One thing that people always wish to know about is whether they can use free VPNs to do the things they wish to do. The bad news is that a free VPN is usually not a good idea.
Maintaining servers and security features costs money, and you are the one who provides that money to premium VPNs, which is why they can afford to offer a quality service.
Free VPN doesn’t get that money from you, so it has to obtain it from elsewhere. These VPNs usually either bombard users with ads or collect and sell their data, which is hardly the best thing for your privacy.
They may offer strong AES 256-bit encryption and other services, but they will still sell your data without thinking about it to get some money. Not to mention that they are always slow and overcrowded, with only a handful of servers.
If you cannot afford a premium VPN, or you need to use a free one for whatever reason, we recommend ProtonVPN. This is a Swiss VPN service that has a premium and free plan.
However, the free plan does have its limitations. It only offers you access to three servers, and you won’t be able to access Netflix with it. It is meant to be used in a pinch, or by those who require privacy, but not the luxury benefits of premium VPNs.
Final Thoughts
Searching for a VPN provider can be a tough task due to the number of choices out there.
Finding one that works in Turkey is a whole other minefield.
I hope the seven providers above have given you some scope on what is available and will help you make a purchasing decision.
My recommendation is that you take a look at NordVPN because of their fast speeds and many connection points. This should be future-proof but it’s worth taking a look at each provider if you have the time.
To recap on the available options,eck the table below.
RANK | PROVIDER | PRICE | COUNTRY LOCATIONS | SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | ![]() | $2.99 /mo | 62 | 6 | VISIT |
2. | ![]() | $2.99 /mo | 63 | ∞ | VISIT |
3. | ![]() | $2.75 /mo | 60 | 7 | VISIT |
4. | ![]() | $6.49 /mo | 60 | ∞ | VISIT |
5. | ![]() | $5.00 /mo | 64 | 5 | VISIT |
6. | ![]() | $6.67 /mo | 94 | 5 | VISIT |
7. | ![]() | $3.75 /mo | 21 | 6 | VISIT |