Azerbaijan’s government has a vice grip on the country’s internet. This means that it controls the content you read, which allows it to shape your opinions. This alone would be reason enough to employ a VPN (since these allow you to bypass country-wide censorship). However, that’s not the only benefit that these services have; they also allow you to access international geo-restricted content, and they encrypt your traffic, making it unreadable to potential snoopers.
VPNs work by encrypting your data and routing it through a secondary server. This helps prevent any snoopers from seeing what you get up to online while allowing you to side-step any content restrictions that your country might have. As an added bonus, this same technology means you can access geo-restricted services that usually aren’t available in Azerbaijan, which is great for travelers.
We’ll review our recommended VPNs more thoroughly later, but if you’re in a rush, you’ll find a brief overview of each below.
Best VPNs for Azerbaijan:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Azerbaijan. Prioritizes your security without compromising on speed or versatility. Also boasts a no-logs policy and exceptional unblocking ability. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for Azerbaijan. A quick and reliable VPN with no connection or bandwidth limits. Strong on privacy and security. Also includes a feature designed to help you bypass internet censorship.
- ExpressVPN: Offers high speeds, top-notch security and privacy features, and great unblocking capabilities. Keeps no logs. Knowledgeable customer service on hand 24/7.
- CyberGhost: A great VPN for new users. Boasts thousands of speedy servers. All security and privacy features are enabled by default. Additionally, it works with lots of geo-restricted services.
- IPVanish: This VPN is fast, privacy-conscious, and packed with security features. It also allows any number of connections and provides decent unblocking ability for streaming international content in Azerbaijan.
- PrivateVPN: With high-speed servers, unlimited bandwidth, and a stealth mode for getting around online censorship, PrivateVPN is perfect for anyone traveling in Azerbaijan.
- Hotspot Shield: A fast, reliable, and versatile VPN that has no problems unblocking geo-restricted services from abroad. Further, it comes packed with security features.
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Best VPN for Azerbaijan
Given the difficult digital landscape in this location, it’s vital that you choose the right VPN. However, we didn’t want to recommend services that only worked in this specific situation. Below, you’ll find a list of the criteria we used to make sure you get a versatile VPN that works well both inside and outside of Azerbaijan:
- Offers access to a wide server network
- Fast enough for data-intensive activities like video calling, downloading, and streaming
- Bypasses country-wide restrictions with ease
- Uses powerful security features (including encryption) to keep your traffic hidden
- Does not store any data that can be traced back to you
- Comes with apps for all major operating systems
This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our detailed methodology article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Azerbaijan:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice VPN for Azerbaijan. It offers access to over 5,500 servers in 60+ countries. It boasts extremely quick connections and unlimited bandwidth, as well as fantastic unblocking ability. As such, it’s a natural choice for anyone looking to circumvent online censorship in Azerbaijan. That said, these same features also make it an excellent option for streaming geo-blocked content abroad. Users can secure up to six devices at once.
This VPN is certainly well-equipped when it comes to security. It uses 256-bit encryption and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection to keep your traffic private. There’s also a customizable kill switch, automatic ad-blocking, and malware-scanning, plus obfuscated servers that can get around even the strictest web filtering. NordVPN is a zero-logs provider. If you need help, you can contact support staff around the clock over live chat or email.
NordVPN offers iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows apps. Additionally, users can manually install the service on supported network routers.
Pros:
- Fastest VPN we’ve tested
- Unblocks the majority of streaming services with ease
- Excellent security and encryption standards
- No-logs policy
- 24/7 customer service
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Takes slightly longer to connect via desktop apps
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR AZERBAIJAN:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Offers a fast service packed with security and privacy features. Boasting strong unblocking ability, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a huge network, it’s ideal for enhancing your digital privacy while in Azerbaijan.
Why not take a look at our in-depth NordVPN review?
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Thanks to its steady speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and impressive unblocking ability, this VPN is able to handle just about anything from streaming to torrenting to evading censorship. Notably, although many VPNs have strict connection limits, this service is happy for you to connect any number of devices. As such, it’s perfect for sharing with family.
If you’re looking for a security-conscious provider, you’re in the right place. Surfshark keeps your traffic hidden using effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The NoBorders mode helps users access the wider internet in places like Azerbaijan and China, and Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy means it can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. This service even operates a 24/7 live chat-based help desk.
Surfshark apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux systems. Additionally, it can be manually configured for use with select internet routers.
Pros:
- Reliable servers in 100+ countries
- Fast with excellent unblocking abilities
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Allows unlimited device connections
- Keeps no logs
Cons:
- Occasional slow server
Our score:
HIGHLY VERSATILE:Surfshark is a quick and reliable VPN that’s great for day-to-day usage. In fact, with no connection limits, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and some of the strongest security features around, it’s a great choice whatever your needs.
Read our complete Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN users can choose from more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, which means you can count on a speedy connection even at peak times. There’s unlimited bandwidth, too, so you’re free to use this service as much as you like. It’s particularly good at getting around online content restrictions and even manages to unblock platforms like Netflix from abroad.
This service gives you all the tools required to browse safely in Azerbaijan or anywhere else. There’s a kill switch, for instance, as well as protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and 256-bit AES encryption. Crucially, ExpressVPN doesn’t store any data that could identify you. For even greater privacy, users can choose to pay in Bitcoin. Help is available over email and live chat, day or night.
ExpressVPN users can install apps for MacOS, Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. There’s also special firmware for routers that makes it easier to secure your entire home network.
Pros:
- High speeds, unlimited bandwidth
- Extremely versatile service
- Best-in-class security and privacy
- Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
- Knowledgeable 24/7 live customer support
Cons:
- Costs slightly more than some others on this list
- Lack of advanced configuration options
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Azerbaijan as it strikes a strong balance between speed, usability, and security. Better still, this service prioritizes your privacy and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more information.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost takes all the hassle out of online security, so even if you’ve never used a VPN before, you can easily protect your digital privacy in Azerbaijan. You can connect to any of the 9,000+ available servers (in 90 countries) to get a reliable, high-speed connection wherever you are. There are also specific servers optimized for streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services abroad. With up to seven simultaneous connections allowed, you can protect all of your favorite devices at once.
Despite its user-friendly exterior, this VPN actually includes a wide range of powerful security features, and they’re all enabled by default. These include an ad-blocker, a malware scanner, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and an always-on kill switch. CyberGhost doesn’t store any personally identifiable data. Thanks to its 24/7 live chat service, you should never have to struggle with any technical problem for more than a few minutes.
CyberGhost has MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux apps. You can also follow manual setup instructions to get it running on supported wireless routers.
Pros:
- Vast network of over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries
- Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use.
- Impressive selection of security and privacy features
- 24/7 live chat service
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features
- Doesnt work in China
Our score:
NO FUSS VPN:CyberGhost takes the hassle out of staying safe online. This no-logs provider comes pre-configured for maximum security and gives you thousands of very fast servers to choose from. What’s more, it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish operates more than 1,500 servers in 60 countries around the world. Users aren’t constrained by bandwidth or connection limits, so there’s nothing stopping you from installing this service on all of your devices. Speeds are high enough for flawless live streaming, which means you shouldn’t have any issues whether you’re browsing, torrenting, or making video calls in Azerbaijan.
This lightweight service certainly punches above its weight when it comes to security. It includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, plus the ability to block local connections outright. It can also scramble your traffic, helping you evade VPN-detection measures. IPVanish follows a no-logs policy, and as such, even it doesn’t know what you get up to whilst connected. 24/7 support is on hand over live chat.
IPVanish provides apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Linux system. Some routers are also supported via manual configuration.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable servers
- No-logs policy and strong security features
- Has no bandwidth limits
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
- Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
Our score:
PROTECT ANY DEVICE:IPVanish is fast, security-conscious, and able to bypass all kinds of online censorship. Further, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect, and this zero-logs provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why not take a look at our comprehensive review of IPVanish?
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has fewer servers than others in this list with only around 200, but don’t write it off just yet. Those servers are strategically spread through 60+ countries and offer som of the fastest speeds and best unblocking abilities we’ve found. Put it this way: PrivateVPN even works reliably in China, so accessing Netflix or Hulu from abroad is child’s play. There are no bandwidth limits at all, and users can secure up to ten devices simultaneously.
This provider has a special stealth mode that helps you bypass country-wide internet blocking in a single click. That’s not all, though: there’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. PrivateVPN follows a zero-logs policy, so there’s no need to worry about having your activities traced back to you. Live chat is available most of the time, but not quite 24/7.
PrivateVPN comes with its own apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections but if you’d like to protect even more devices, it can also be manually installed on select home routers.
Pros:
- Exceptionally high speeds
- Prioritizes your security and privacy
- Bypasses all but the most strict region-locking
Cons:
- Live chat goes offline for two hours per day
- Fairly small network
Our score:
ZERO LOG PROVIDER:PrivateVPN puts your privacy first, keeping no logs and providing a wide range of powerful security tools. It’s also very fast, making it ideal for anyone looking to browse safely in Azerbaijan. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with all plans.
Interested? Read our full PrivateVPN review for more information.
7. Hotspot Shield
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield has more than 1,800 servers in 80+ countries (including Azerbaijan). Thanks to its high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, users can browse and use VoIP services like WhatsApp and torrent as much as they like, free from interruptions. What’s more, they can even access stubborn platforms like Netflix. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per account.
This service comes with a lot to like, security-wise. For starters, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. There’s also an option that connects to the VPN automatically any time you use a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Hotspot Shield deletes all identifiable data once you disconnect, meaning it’s effectively impossible to tell what you do online. Having trouble? Users can reach support staff 24/7 over live chat and email.
Hotspot Shield offers Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on supported internet routers.
Pros:
- Plenty of fast servers to choose from
- Works great in countries with strict online censorship
- Plenty of powerful security features built-in
Cons:
- No anonymous payment options
- Has had past privacy issues
Our score:
SPEED AND SECURITY:Hotspot Shield provides strong security features and high enough speeds to stream, torrent, or browse the web without interruption. What’s more, it’s great at bypassing censorship and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield review.
How to protect yourself in Azerbaijan using a VPN
VPNs can seem complicated at first, but don’t be discouraged; they’re really far easier to use than you might think.
Here’s our four-step guide to browsing the internet safely in Azerbaijan:
- First, sign up for one of the services above (we recommend NordVPN).
- Next, install the app on any device you plan to use frequently. Most providers permit up to five simultaneous connections, but this does vary from one service to another.
- Connect to a server in your chosen country. Remember, if you’re looking to bypass web censorship, you’ll have to use a server in a different country from the one you’re in, for example, connect to a US server to access US-based sites and services.
- Congratulations: your traffic is now encrypted, and you can access any website you like. If you’re having problems, we recommend clearing your cookies and trying again or asking your VPN’s support team for more assistance.
Azerbaijan VPNs: FAQs
Should I use a free VPN?
Free VPNs are underwhelming at the best of times, but they’re a particularly poor choice in countries with pervasive online censorship, like Azerbaijan or China. To begin with, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to get around the government’s web blocking, and even if they work right now, chances are they won’t in a week or a month. Finally, while paid VPNs have the resources to stand up to governmental pressure, free services usually don’t and can’t be relied upon to keep your activities private.
There are other issues to be aware of as well. For instance, free VPNs tend to have very small networks but large user numbers, meaning you’ll likely have to deal with extremely slow speeds. And this all assumes you get a legitimate service, not just a Trojan or a so-called “VPN” that fails to use any encryption, injects malware into your system, or steals your data to sell to third parties. Bypassing government censorship is above a free VPN’s pay grade; for the highest level of protection, it’s best to use a reputable paid VPN with a focus on security and privacy.
Why do I need a VPN in Azerbaijan?
The Azerbaijani government frequently censors content that shows it in a negative light. Additionally, it has been known to pressure journalists into removing unfavorable coverage with legal threats. To make matters worse, the country’s conflict with Armenia has begun to move online, with analysts on both sides reporting widespread disinformation campaigns, hackings, and DDoS attacks.
A VPN can help with several of these issues. First, they allow you to access the wider internet even in countries with an ever-expanding list of blocked sites. Second, they encrypt your data, ensuring that it can’t be read by snoopers. Third, while a DDoS attack on your home router would usually prevent you from using the internet at all, VPN networks can easily handle the load, allowing you to shrug off such an attack and continue browsing freely.
Note: we don’t encourage or condone using a VPN to access content that’s illegal in your location. If you’re in any doubt, we strongly recommend reading up on your country’s relevant legislation.
Can I stream Azerbaijani TV online?
Since none of the major broadcasters in Azerbaijan geo-restrict their content, it’s actually possible to stream quite a few Azerbaijani TV channels from abroad. In fact, in most cases, you can watch for free, without even having to sign up. However, we still recommend using a VPN for streaming where possible, simply because of the security and privacy benefits they provide.
Here’s a short list of Azerbaijan TV networks that offer a live stream:
- AZTV
- İctimai Television
- Idman TV
- ATV
- CBC
- Mədəniyyət TV
- ARB