The internet is heavily restricted in Turkey. Government surveillance and censorship are widespread. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help keep your identity safe when online in Turkey. Blocked content and websites can also be accessed using a VPN.
Below we list the seven best Turkey VPNs, based on our rigorous testing of over 50 VPN providers:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Turkey
- Surfshark: An affordable Turkey VPN with fast speeds for an unlimited number of devices
- ExpressVPN: A VPN for Turkey with a user-friendly interface and robust security
- CyberGhost: One of the best Turkey VPNs with optimized servers for anonymous downloading
- Private Internet Access: A VPN for Turkey with the biggest server network
- VyprVPN: A great Turkey VPN that offers a dedicated IP
- Proton VPN: The best free VPN for Turkey
NordVPN, our #1 VPN provider, also offers a free trial in the form of a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try all its features and if you’re not happy with the service request for a refund.
Check out the rest of the article for a detailed breakdown of the best Turkey VPNs.
Per the Turkish “censorship law” passed by the Turkish Parliament in 2022, posting false or misleading information is a criminal offense with a punishment of one to three years in prison. Hence, using a Turkey VPN while browsing the web is a must to protect your identity and stave off unwanted government surveillance.
Turkish government agencies have monitored and blocked social media and streaming websites regularly since 2016. As such, you may find it difficult to access your favorite websites. Luckily, a reliable VPN connection helps circumvent restrictions on sites and applications imposed by the government.
In this article, we’ll go in-depth on each of the top seven VPNs for Turkey and explain why they stand out as your top choices. We’ll also go through how we selected the top Turkey VPNs, why you should use a VPN for Turkey, and which VPNs you should stay away from.
The Best Turkey VPN: Our Top 7 Options
The best VPN for Turkey should offer robust encryption, strong security features, and a clear focus on user privacy and anonymity. As a result, these criteria factored heavily into our testing while deciding which are the best VPN providers for Turkey.
We also examined how each VPN affected connection speeds and its ability to unblock popular websites, including streaming platforms. The table below presents a quick overview of the key features of our five leading Turkey VPNs. Overall, we cover seven VPNs, with two more VPN services discussed later in the article.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,400+ | 3,200+ | 3,000+ | 9,000+ | 33,000 |
| Number of countries | 60 | 100 | 94 | 90 | 84 |
| Number of servers in Turkey | 14 | 8 | Virtual | 26 | N/A |
| Unblocks Netflix | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway, LPTP | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, LPTP |
| Obfuscated Servers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Price | $3.99/month | $2.49/month | $6.67/month | $2.11/month | $2.11/month |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get ExpressVPN | Get CyberGhost | Get PIA |
Now let’s dive deeper into each VPN’s features and see what makes them the best Turkey VPNs for 2023.
1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Turkey
Features:
- Wide range of specialty security servers (Double VPN, P2P, Onion over VPN)
- Unblocks all leading streaming platforms
- Strong AES 256 encryption
- Large server network with 14 servers in Turkey
- Robust security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx
Given the importance of security and privacy while using the internet in Turkey, it’s no surprise that NordVPN is our highest-ranked VPN for the country. NordVPN uses market-leading VPN protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx to encrypt user data. This ensures that the Turkish government cannot snoop on your browsing.
It also features a number of additional security features, including AES 256 encryption, obfuscated servers, and a double VPN. Obfuscated servers help conceal that you’re using a VPN, while double VPN routes your activity through multiple VPN servers to hinder surveillance.
Your privacy needs are also taken care of as NordVPN is one of the best no-log VPNs and is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country. It is, therefore, unlikely that the government or internet service providers will be able to access your browsing data through NordVPN.
We experienced minimal speed reductions while testing NordVPN. This made it a pleasure to view content on leading streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Even though Netflix has a very small library in Turkey, we still enjoyed the experience. The service provider also has 14 servers in Turkey, allowing you to get a Turkish IP address if required.
In case you face problems in using or setting up NordVPN, you can contact their customer support team, which is available 24/7 through live chat. We found the customer support staff knowledgeable and polite in our interactions. Check out the latest offers on NordVPN below if you’re convinced that it’s the best VPN for Turkey in 2023.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Our review of NordVPN provides a more in-depth breakdown of the provider’s features. You can also try NordVPN for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A fast VPN for Turkey for an unlimited number of devices
Features:
- Consistently fast speeds across the server network
- Camouflage Mode and Multi-Hop servers for added security and anonymity
- Kill switch and two-factor authentication
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard
Looking for a level of security and privacy similar to NordVPN but with faster speeds and a more affordable price? Surfshark should be on top of your list of the best Turkey VPNs in 2023.
The protocols offered by Surfhshark, coupled with Camouflage Mode (obfuscated servers) and Multi-Hop (double VPN) cover all your security needs while browsing the internet in Turkey. If your connection to a Surfshark VPN server falters, the kill switch disconnects your device from the internet to prevent your IP address and other details from leaking.
You also don’t have to worry about your browsing activity falling into the wrong hands when using Surfshark. The VPN provider utilizes RAM-based servers, making retrieving user browsing information impossible. It also has a strong no-logs policy to ensure user privacy is not compromised.
We experienced good speeds on most of Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers. While using Surfshark’s Turkish servers, we were able to unblock streaming platforms, like Disney Plus, as well as other educational and social media websites blocked in Turkey.
Any issues we faced while using Surfshark in Turkey we resolved by consulting the informative customer support section on its website or by talking to an executive using its live chat feature.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a Surfshark subscription, use the Surfshark free trial to test its features. For more information on this VPN’s offerings, check out our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN: A user-friendly Turkey VPN with robust security
Features:
- Excellent choice for anonymous browsing, streaming, and torrenting
- Lightning-fast speeds and a user-friendly interface
- Split tunneling feature
- Based in a privacy-friendly country
- Enhanced security protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN, IPSecv2, LPTP
ExpressVPN lays a strong claim to being the best VPN for security out there. In addition to the standard market-leading protocols, it uses its proprietary Lightway protocol that ensures user safety without compromising on speed.
ExpressVPN also has in-built web-RTC and DNS leak prevention. These features prevented our personal data from accidentally becoming visible to others on the internet while we were testing ExpressVPN. Moreover, its split tunneling feature allowed us to decide which websites would go through the VPN tunnel and which ones would not.
ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy. While it does collect some user information to track how its app is being used, none of this information can be traced back to individual users. This is particularly important as ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Streaming shows and torrenting was a breeze when testing ExpressVPN. The VPN offered us consistently great speeds and even had dedicated servers for anonymous peer-to-peer downloads. However, ExpressVPN doesn’t have physical servers in Turkey and uses virtual servers, which have a Turkish IP address, which can hamper the overall browsing experience.
ExpressVPN is more pricey than other providers, but with the wide range of features it offers, it is worth the investment.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more information on what you can expect when using this provider. Be sure to also consider ExpressVPN’s free trial before committing to a lengthy subscription.
4. CyberGhost: A Turkey VPN with optimized servers for downloading
Features:
- A great choice for beginners due to its simple interface
- Very affordable price plans
- Automatic kill switch and Security Suite
- Extensive server network in Turkey
- Strong security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
CyberGhost is a VPN that’s easy on the pocket but top-notch when it comes to security, privacy, and speed. This stellar combination fetches it a spot on our list of the best VPNs for Turkey.
While CyberGhost may not have obfuscated servers or a double VPN, it does a good job of ensuring user safety. It uses a military-grade AES 256-bit cipher to safeguard user browsing activity and does not leak user data. Moreover, CyberGhost’s Security Suite offers features like antivirus software that protected us from online threats like ransomware while testing this provider.
It also has a robust no-logs policy. While an independent third party has not audited the no-logs policy, CyberGhost’s quarterly transparency reports highlight that it does not share user data with government agencies.
CyberGhost really excelled when we attempted to unblock streaming and social media websites. We also loved the fact that it had dedicated streaming and gaming servers, and we can confidently say that CyberGhost is one of the fastest gaming VPNs we have tested. It boasts an impressive 26 servers in Turkey, which came in handy when we wanted to watch popular local channels like Digiturk and TRT 1.
CyberGhost’s intuitive and simple interface makes it an ideal choice for beginners. Its dedicated knowledge base, FAQ section, and customer support also helped us resolve any challenges we faced while using the VPN.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
Not convinced about CyberGhost? Well, you can try CyberGhost’s free trial without spending a dime. Read our full CyberGhost review for more details on the VPN’s performance when it comes to speed, security, and usability.
5. Private Internet Access: A VPN for Turkey with the largest server network
Features:
- Strict no-logs policy and user data protection
- Large global server network with NextGen servers in Turkey
- Robust suite of additional security features like malware blocking
- Enhanced security protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec
PIA is an affordable but secure VPN with an avowed focus on user privacy, which is paramount given the degree of internet monitoring in Turkey. Its huge network of 33,000 servers also comes in handy when trying to access blocked websites, which is why we included it on our list of the best Turkey VPNs.
We really liked the protocol options that PIA supports: OpenVPN, WireGuard, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec. We could play around with different protocols to find the ones that yielded the best combination of speed and security. While testing PIA, we also found its MACE feature very useful, as it successfully blocked malware and ads.
PIA places great importance on privacy, reflected in its no-logs policy. The fact that VPN is based in the United States, a 5 Eyes country, does raise some concerns around possible government surveillance of data, but PIA has repeatedly proved that it does not share user information with authorities.
Speeds on PIA servers were satisfactory. We were able to stream movies and shows without many problems, though gaming and torrenting on certain servers was a bit of a challenge. The lack of a physical Turkish server is a disappointment, even though PIA does offer “virtual“ NextGen servers.
While PIA’s app and website were easy to navigate, we had to wait about ten minutes to connect to a live customer support agent, which was considerably more than other top VPNs. Despite this, PIA is a good VPN for Turkey, especially when you consider its affordable starting price.
- Strong focus on privacy and security
- Good price
- Fast and stable servers
You can learn more about this VPN provider in our full PIA review.
6. VyprVPN: A Turkey VPN that offers a dedicated IP address
Features:
- Specialized protocols to avoid censorship and surveillance
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Dedicated IP address
- Robust security protocols: L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard
All VPNs help evade censorship, but VyprVPN’s special Chameleon protocol is specifically focused on ensuring you can browse the internet anonymously. Additionally, Vypr operates and runs the entirety of its server network and does not rely on third parties. This reduces the scope for your data being leaked accidentally.
Like PIA, VyprVPN offers a number of protocols. Its proprietary Chameleon protocol is particularly interesting as it encrypts browsing data as well as metadata. This prevents deep packet inspection, a technique commonly used by governments and internet service providers in countries with heavy internet censorship, like Turkey and China.
VyprVPN has a no-logs policy audited by an independent third party, which helps inspire confidence that any user data it collects will not be misused or leaked inadvertently. However, while testing VyprVPN, we found slightly disappointing the fact that it doesn’t support payments using cryptocurrencies, so we could not create a completely anonymous account.
Speeds on VyprVPN servers were also not what we expected. We experienced fairly significant drops in speed, especially on servers located far away from our physical location. Resultantly, we believe that VyprVPN may not be the best option for gaming or torrenting.
VyprVPN’s apps are easy to install, and it’s unlikely consumers will face difficulties when using the app. If any issues arise, you can contact the customer support team via live chat or email.
- Quick servers for a good price
- Netflix and torrenting possible
- Special "Chameleon" technology to protect your data
VyprVPN is a great option for users who value anonymity and privacy above all else. Our full VyprVPN review provides an in-depth explanation of how the protocols work.
7. Proton VPN: The best free VPN for Turkey
Features:
- Excellent free plan with unlimited data
- Strong security features even on the free plan
- Kill switch and Secure Core function (double VPN)
- Enhanced security protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
We generally wouldn’t recommend using free VPNs in Turkey as their security and privacy can be questionable. But Proton VPN is the exception, thanks to its excellent free VPN plan. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN has no cap on bandwidth, which means you can encrypt all your browsing activity without worrying about running out of data.
While testing Proton VPN’s free version, we noticed several noteworthy security features, such as an effective kill switch and its Stealth protocol, that helped us circumvent VPN blocks and firewalls. Upgrading to the paid version got us access to advanced features, such as Proton VPN’s secure core and Onion over VPN servers. Both versions are subject to the same robust no-logs policy.
Speeds on Proton VPN’s free version were slower than its paid version. Moreover, the free version only offered us servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. Resultantly, using the free plan for streaming and gaming did not work too well for us. But it was a great solution when we wanted to send emails, read articles, or generally surf the web, as it successfully kept us anonymous.
- Strong encryption
- Specialized servers
- Free subscription available
Our full Proton VPN review contrasts the offerings of the paid and free versions.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Turkey
We created our list of the best Turkey VPNs based on thorough analysis and extensive testing of over 50 VPNs. We paid special attention to the following criteria.
- Solid security and encryption: We paid close attention to the encryption protocols used by a VPN to protect user data. The availability of additional security features, such as obfuscated servers and double VPN, was another critical consideration, given the extent of government surveillance in Turkey.
- Privacy and user data protection: All VPNs on our list take robust measures to protect user data. This includes a clear and watertight no-logs policy that prevents collecting and storing personally identifiable information. The track record of a VPN provider in complying with government data access requests was also considered.
- Unblocking capabilities: The ability of a VPN to unblock restricted content, including streaming platforms and social websites, is an important aspect of a VPN for Turkey. We tested each VPN to determine its ability to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and other leading platforms and websites.
- Availability of servers in Turkey: Internet speeds are usually better if you connect to servers close to your physical location. Hence, the availability of servers in Turkey or nearby countries was an important consideration in our ranking matrix.
- Speed: While connecting to a VPN server reduces connection speeds, your browsing and streaming experience can be hindered if the speed drops too much. Hence, we tested each VPN’s speed performance when connected to servers close by and further away.
Why Do You Need a Turkey VPN?
If you’re traveling to Turkey for vacation or business, you can access the internet without a VPN, but if you use a public Wi-Fi network, your data may be at risk, and this is why a Turkey VPN is necessary.
Moreover, the Turkish Telecommunications and Information Technology Authority is known to be involved in the mass surveillance of citizens. A VPN conceals your identity and true location by changing your IP and adds an additional layer of security to your browsing.
The current government also blocks access to a number of websites, social media platforms, and streaming services to control the flow of information. Using a VPN helps to bypass online censorship and access content blocked in the country.
Turkey has a number of popular channels and streaming services, such as TRT 1, TRT Haber, and ITU. These services can only be accessed with a Turkish IP address. The VPNs listed above all have servers in Turkey, which should allow you to access content available only in Turkey.
Are VPNs Legal in Turkey?
VPNs are legal in Turkey. You can’t be punished for simply installing and using a VPN while browsing the web. However, the Turkish Government has been restricting the use of VPNs for several users. It does so by blocking the websites of VPN providers. Additionally, VPN services often experience disruptions in their service.
If you’re traveling to Turkey, it’s probably a good idea to install one of the VPNs on our list beforehand. You may find that you cannot purchase a VPN subscription once you’re in the country. In such a situation, you can use a free VPN, like ProtonVPN, to connect to a server in another country and purchase a subscription.
What to Do If Your Turkey VPN Is Not Working
If you’re VPN isn’t working in Turkey, you can try the following steps to get it up and running:
1. Try a different VPN server
VPNs typically have servers in several countries globally. You can try switching to a VPN server in a different country, ideally one with more lenient internet regulations. This can help bypass regional restrictions that are hindering your connection to a VPN server.
2. Change VPN protocols
Different VPN protocols have varying levels of security and speed. Switching between protocols can help overcome any militations that authorities have placed on them. We’d recommend sticking to OpenVPN or WireGuard while in Turkey.
3. Enable port forwarding
Agencies sometimes block specific ports they know are used by VPN providers. If you’re connected to one such port, your connection to a VPN server will not work. In such a situation, you can enable port forwarding to route your traffic through different ports. Port 443 on OpenVPN is our recommendation, as it is used for HTTPS connections that use similar encryption to VPNs.
4. Use a VPN with obfuscation
As mentioned earlier, obfuscation makes it harder to differentiate between a VPN and other traffic on the internet. Choosing an obfuscated server can be particularly helpful if your network is actively trying to block VPN traffic.
5. Use a VPN with Tor
Known as Onion over VPN, this method adds an extra security layer by first connecting to a VPN server and then to the Tor network. Although this method may slow down your connection, it can be highly effective at getting around VPN restrictions.
6. Contact the VPN’s customer support
If you cannot get the VPN working by following the steps above, you can always contact the VPN’s support team for assistance. They may have insights or solutions specific to your VPN service.
VPNs to Avoid in Turkey
Some VPNs do not do what they claim, i.e., protect user identity and privacy online. Instead, using these VPNs can lead to your information being leaked entirely unbeknownst to you. We’ve listed a few VPNs that you should avoid using in Turkey below.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hola VPN | Even though this app has VPN in its name, it’s actually a peer-to-peer proxy service. It does not encrypt user traffic or information, which means that prying eyes online can see precisely what you’re up to. It also logs all user data, which governments can obtain through court orders or warrants. |
| X-VPN | For a VPN service that starts at $5.99/month, X-VPN lacks basic security and privacy features. Its kill switch doesn’t work, and there’s very little information on the protocols it uses to encrypt user data. We also discovered that it keeps connection logs. |
| UltraVPN | While Ultra VPN is advertised as a secure VPN, we uncovered a number of security issues during testing. For instance, we noticed that its servers leaked our IP address and that its kill switch doesn’t work. |
Final Thoughts: The Best Turkey VPNs Around
A good Turkey VPN is essential because using the internet without a VPN in Turkey can be dangerous. You risk revealing your browsing activity to ISPs or government agencies. You could even end up in jail if you post something the government considers to be false.
When choosing the best VPN for Turkey, you should be looking for a blend of safety, privacy, affordability, and convenience. You must consider a VPN that has Turkish servers, so you can change your IP address to a local IP.
If you are traveling to Turkey and planning to use public Wi-Fi, you must also make sure that the VPN provider has robust security features that will safeguard your personal data from malicious online threats.
Traveling to countries besides Turkey? Check out which VPNs are best suited in some other big nations:
- The Best VPNs That Work for China
- Best VPN for Iran: Safely Bypass Internet Censorship
- Best VPN for India: Our Top Picks
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about the best Turkey VPNs below. If there’s anything else you’d like us to answer, please drop a comment!
NordVPN is the best VPN for Turkey as it excels on all important parameters: security, privacy, speed, and convenience. It also has local servers in Turkey to give you the very best, local experience. Whether you’re looking to stream your favorite movies, unblock geo-locked content, or simply browse the internet, NordVPN will work great in Turkey.
Proton VPN is one of the few free VPNs that ensure user privacy and security. It’s also one of the only free VPNs that doesn’t limit the bandwidth available to users. However, we generally don’t usually recommend using free VPNs while in Turkey. Free VPNs can lack the necessary privacy and security features to prevent government surveillance.
Yes, VPNs are legal in Turkey. However, the government does block VPN providers from time to time. As such, not all VPNs will always work well. To avoid issues, we recommend that users stick to the best Turkey VPNs when visiting the country, like NordVPN.
Yes, it’s ideal to subscribe to and download a VPN before traveling to Turkey. While VPNs are legal, the government blocks the websites of leading providers from time to time. If the website of your preferred service provider is blocked, you won’t be able to download and install its apps while in Turkey.
Yes, it does! NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Turkey, as proven by our independent tests. A key reason for this is its local servers in Turkey. At the time of writing, NordVPN has 14 servers in Istanbul.
You can get a Turkish IP address by connecting to a physical or virtual VPN server in Turkey. This lets you watch shows and channels available exclusively in Turkey. Each VPN that made our list of best Turkey VPNs has physical or virtual servers in Turkey.
