Iraqi citizens, visitors in the country for pleasure or business, or expatriates who currently call Iraq home, may need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service when browsing the internet.
VPNs have the advantage of keeping internet activity private, so you can browse undetected without worrying about data loss or prying eyes. This is particularly important if you plan to use open networks or public wifi or are concerned about your internet provider or government snooping on your online activity. A VPN can also unblock geo-restricted streaming sites, allowing you to access your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for Iraq and explain how to use them. We’ll go into detail on each of the providers featured below, but if you only have time for a summary, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Iraq:
- NordVPN Our #1 pick and the best VPN for Iraq. Has a large network of servers with fantastic security features. Unlimited speeds and no data limits included. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly. - Surfshark A budget VPN for Iraq. Unlimited simultaneous connections can be shared on the same account. Fast, safe, and good value for money.
- ExpressVPN Fast and reliable speeds are ideal for content streaming. Can be used on most devices and supports up to eight simultaneous connections. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost Beginner freindly VPN with a Huge network of 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries. Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. Strong security.
- HideMyAss One of the few VPNs with Iraq servers. Can provide an Iraq IP address and a strict no-logs policy will protect your privacy at all times.
- PrivateVPN Excellent privacy and impressive security features including a network kill switch. No data limits so a good choice for streaming.
Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Iraq with no restrictions for a month—great to keep yourself protected while browsing the internet or watching content in Iraq.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we selected the best VPNs for Iraq
These are just some of the criteria we use when assessing the best VPNs for Iraq:
- A large number of servers with worldwide coverage
- Unblocks geo-restricted streaming services
- Offers fast and reliable speeds
- Uses stringent encryption parameters so your location remains obfuscated
- Allows for multiple connections with one account
- Provides helpful customer support
You can find more detailed information about our VPN testing criteria in the methodology section further in this article.Â
Best VPNs for Iraq
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Iraq:
1. NordVPN
Nov 2024
Works in IRAQTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is the best VPN for Iraq. It has an expansive network of more than 6,000 servers spread across 100+ countries. Its registration in Panama means it doesn’t have to comply with data retention laws, boosting user privacy.
NordVPN grants access to several streaming sites such as US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and more. It doesn’t store any user details, traffic logs, or IP addresses.
This provider is well-known for its customizability, including options for servers optimized for tasks such as streaming HD video, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and more.
NordVPN uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol to secure its traffic. This is the leading protocol available. Additional perks include an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. All of which are useful when considering the best VPNs for Iraq.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. A basic plan allows for 10 devices to connect simultaneously.
Pros:
- A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
- Easily gets around regional blocks and censored content
- Operates a network of more than 6,000 servers in 100+ countries
- No-logs policy
- Connect 10 devices concurrently
- 24/7 chat support
Cons:
- The desktop app is a little clunky, could do with some modernizing
Our score:
TOP CHOICE:NordVPN is the best VPN for Iraq. Has all the features required to keep your connection safe. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is an affordable VPN for Iraq that the entire family can share. It is one of the few VPN services that allow for unlimited simultaneous connections on the same subscription. Unlimited data is included and fast speeds are a guarantee. This makes Surfshark a great option for streaming.
There are no server locations in Iraq, but you can choose from over 3,200 servers in 100+ other countries. Surfshark is perfect for those in Iraq who want to access content as it can access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and many others.
You don’t have to worry about your privacy either. Best-in-class security is provided with 256-bit AES encryption, a network kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Surfshark has all of the premium features for an affordable price. Apps are available on IOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- 256-bit AES encryption and great security tools
- Works in Iraq and unblocks most major streaming services
- Fantastic value for money
Cons:
- Not the best option for file sharing
Our score:
BUDGET VPN FOR IRAQ:Surfshark has unlimited devices, bandwidth and speeds to share with the family. Unblocks streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN delivers on privacy, speed, and customer service. It provides military-grade encryption, a network of servers across the globe, and round-the-clock online support.
This service has more than 3,000 servers to choose from in 100+ countries, with plenty of options in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is able to unblock a number of geo-restricted streaming media services including US Netflix, HBO, Hulu andAmazon Prime Video.
World-class security is included as a standard. The service uses 256-bit AES encryption and additional security features include an internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
There are user-friendly apps for Android and iOS, and similar versions for Windows and macOS. A single subscription allows for eight simultaneous connections.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable speeds – streaming HD content or downloading/uploading large files
- Has no issues getting around censorship and geo-blocked content
- Comprehensive security and privacy features
- Great capabilities for unblocking geo-locked content
- Offers 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Not as configurable as some power users would like
- More expensive than some other services
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN provides speed, reliability, and efficiency. A subscription includes a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a huge network of more than 10,000 servers in over 100 countries. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and it’s highly suitable for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.
You can connect up to seven devices at once and can benefit from this VPN’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. CyberGhost also has a no-logs policy, and Windows users benefit from a security suite complete with an antivirus.
CyberGhost has an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox.
Pros:
- Huge network of more than 10,000 servers
- Very good server speeds for lag-free streaming
- Compatible with the US version of Netflix
- Use it to secure up to seven devices simultaneously
- 45-day risk-free money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t work reliably in China
- Better suited to beginners than advanced users
Our score:
VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost is a great beginner-friendly VPN with easy to use apps and servers in 100+ countries for streaming, gaming and browsing. Comes with a 45-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
Read our review of CyberGhost.
Get Deal >5. HideMyAss!
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.HideMyAss.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
HideMyAss operates over 1,070 servers in 210+ countries, so there are a lot of options around the world. This service also includes two servers in Iraq, meaning you can get an Iraqi IP address if needed. HideMyAss is the only provider on this list that’s able to offer this option.
You can use this service for many purposes, including streaming or P2P file sharing. It’s fast, stable, secure, and has an impressive ability to unblock geo-restricted sites.
HideMyAss uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure all traffic. It also offers perfect forward secrecy, automatic wifi protection, and an internet kill switch in the desktop app.
One area of concern is that this provider does log connection data (including IP addresses) by default. However, you can disable this in the app. There’s also an IP address shuffle feature, which switches your IP address at regular intervals.
You can find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. A single connection allows for five devices to connect at the same time and there’s live chat support whenever you need it.
Pros:
- A large number of countries covered
- Decent speeds for streaming
- 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- Some data-logging concerns
- Slightly more expensive than some rivals
Our score:
IP ADDRESS FROM IRAQ:HideMyAss is fast, secure, and offers servers in Iraq. It’s able to unblock several streaming services. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of HideMyAss.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is ranked as one of the best VPNs for Iraq based on the fact that it delivers high-quality service with fast speeds. It also has an impressive ability to unblock geo-restricted content. The server network is relatively small compared to others, with around 200 servers in 63 countries.
PrivateVPN doesn’t log user data, includes support for torrenting, and offers unlimited bandwidth for HD video streams. Some of the streaming services it’s able to unblock are BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.
PrivateVPN gives you the option to select either 128- or 256-bit encryption and bundles perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection in all packages. That means your digital footprint is well covered.
PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect simultaneously.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds
- Unlimited bandwidth, high speeds, and P2P allowance also mean it’s suitable for torrenting
- Gaining a reputation for unblocking popular streaming sites
Cons:
- Live chat is not around the clock
- A small but growing network of servers
Our score:
STREAMING VPN:PrivateVPN unblocks several streaming sites and offers fast speeds. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology: How we find the best Iraq VPNs
We use stringent assessment criteria during our review process. Here are some of the main things we look for in the best Iraq VPNs:
- Worldwide server coverage – If you’re in Iraq and want to unblock content, you will need a large selection of reliable servers. We look at the number of server locations and test for specialty servers designed for streaming or file sharing.Â
- Safety and security – When rating VPNs we score each service for its ability to protect user data and privacy. Some of the things we look for include; strong encryption, a network kill switch, no-logs policies, and DNS leak protection.
- Devices – We test device compatibility to ensure that you can use your VPN on the go. Each provider should work with popular devices and operating systems like Android, IOS, Windows, and macOS.
- Value for money – A VPN should be reasonably priced and pose great value for money. We also look for a money-back guarantee and other value-adding features.
Find out more about our VPN testing methodology.
How to use a VPN in Iraq
Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN, getting started is simple. Here’s how to use a VPN in Iraq:
- Choose one of the providers on our list of the best VPNs for Iraq. We recommend NordVPN
- Register for the service, select a subscription and add a payment method
Download the relevant VPN apps for your chosen devices - Log in to the service and connect to a server outside Iraq (or use HideMyAss for an Iraqi IP address)
- Congratulations! Now your internet connection is encrypted and private and you will be able to access all the content you want
Iraq VPN FAQs
Should I use a free VPN for Iraq?
Free VPNs are readily available and may catch your attention, but they aren’t the best option.
Free VPNs often monetize users via advertisements, pop-ups, and other money-making methods. Others will use cookies to track user data and behavior. A prime example of this is HolaVPN, a free VPN service that has been known to sell user information to third parties.
You should also be aware that free VPNs typically come with poor encryption standards, an extremely limited choice of servers, limited bandwidth, and data caps. Customer support is usually non-existent.
If you’re looking for a VPN to help you browse safely and securely, or to unblock geo-restricted streaming sites, a free VPN will not suffice. A paid VPN gives you peace of mind and only sets you back a few dollars each month.
How do VPNs work?
VPNs create an encryption tunnel that redirects all internet traffic to and from your device. VPNs enable you to choose the location of the server your traffic flows through and then replace your IP address with one from that location. If, for example, you pick a server in the United States, your actual IP address is replaced with a US one. The same process applies if you pick a server in Iraq, granting you an Iraqi IP address.
See also: How to get an Iraqi IP address
How free is the internet in Iraq?
Internet censorship is rife in Iraq, and there have been concerns from Amnesty International about a proposed bill to tighten rules further. Activities that would be seen as freedom of speech in some countries are considered to be law-breaking in Iraq, and so internet users need to be cautious. Piracy is illegal in Iraq and this includes the use of torrents for copyright infringement.
DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream or download content illegally. Please consult local laws beforehand if you’re not sure of the ramifications and refer to a local lawyer for expert advice.
Related: Is Torrenting Safe? Is it Illegal? Are you Likely to be Caught?
How can I access Netflix titles that are not available in Iraq?
The Netflix library in Iraq can be limited, so you might want to unlock another version. US Netflix has the largest number of titles, so if you want to access it in Iraq, you will need to get a US IP address. Netflix blocks VPNs because of licensing agreements it has in place with its media production partners. Not all VPNs, especially free ones, are compatible with the service. We’ve highlighted the ones that are in our mini-reviews, so you can use those as a reference point.
How will a VPN for Iraq help my online gaming?
If you’re an avid online gamer, using a VPN for Iraq can help you access gaming servers otherwise blocked due to geo-restrictions. For example, if the game’s servers are only available in a specific region, you can use a VPN to access them from Iraq.
A VPN also provides additional security benefits, such as encrypting your data and preventing malicious actors from accessing your personal information. In addition, a reliable VPN service lets you enjoy online gaming without worrying about being tracked or monitored.
