8 Best VPNs for Turkey: Which ones still beat VPN ban the ban in 2024?

Turkey has witnessed an unsettling surge in internet crackdowns amid escalating political tensions. The harrowing terrorist incident in Istanbul on November 13, 2022, was followed by the government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, clamping down on popular social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and WhatsApp. This is why a VPN for Turkey is more important than ever.

As experts who have rigorously researched and tested various solutions, we understand your frustrations and challenges. But there’s a silver lining: a VPN. This isn’t just another tech term. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your digital shield. It encrypts your online activities, ensuring you remain anonymous, secure, and connected.

Whether you reside in Turkey or just pass through while traveling, equipping yourself with a VPN has become non-negotiable. Let’s navigate these digital roadblocks together.

If you don’t want to read the whole article, below is a summary based on our extensive research.

The best VPNs for Turkey:

1. NordVPN: Best all-round VPN for Turkey. Blazing fast speeds and excellent security. Great for streaming and online content unblocking. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for Turkey.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN choice for Turkey. Reliable provider with strong security and online privacy credentials. Unblocks plenty of geo-restricted services.
3. IPVanish: Quick, reliable, and very easy to use. Has secure servers in Istanbul and no limit on the number of devices you can connect. Strict no-logging policy and 24/7 support.
4. ExpressVPN: Highly secure service with servers in a whopping 94 countries. Great at bypassing blocks in Turkey, including those imposed by streaming services.
5. Hotspot Shield: A security-conscious provider with solid connection speeds and a strict no-logs policy. A reliable option for streaming in Turkey.
6. PrivateVPN: A solid Turkey VPN thanks to its fast connection speeds. Suitable for streaming and packed with security features.
7. PureVPN: A privacy-first VPN boosting top-tier performance, exceptional unblocking ability, and automatic obfuscation. Ideal for browsing safely in countries like Turkey or China.
8. ProtonVPN: Fast and reliable provider with Turkish servers and a verified no-logs policy. Suitable for any task, whether it’s blogging anonymously or just protecting yourself on public wifi.

With a VPN enabled and connected to another country, internet users can unblock social media in Turkey and other websites and apps. Internet service providers, who implement the blocks on behalf of government authorities, can not know the final destination of your internet traffic nor what it contains. The VPN providers we’ve recommended in this article have server locations across the globe. This means it’s possible to get a true IP address from Turkey from anywhere else in the world.

It’s important to note that Turkish authorities have caught on to VPN users and started blocking certain providers. That’s why Comparitech reached out directly to several VPN providers to confirm which ones are still up and running.

Best VPNs for Turkey – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Turkey.

Our criteria for the best Turkey VPNs

Before making any recommendations, each VPN is rigorously tested by Comparitech’s team of experts. Here are some of the specific things we look for in VPNs for Turkey:

• The highest levels of security, including 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection
• Great unblocking ability to access services that are blocked in Turkey
• A large network of servers so users can get an IP address in a location of their choice
• Reliable access to streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more
• At least 5 simultaneous device connections, but unlimited is preferred
• Access to reliable customer support with fast response rates
• Competitive pricing and a money-back guarantee

Best VPNs for Turkey

Our ranking methodology of the best VPNs for Turkey is based on many factors which we have discussed in the following reviews.

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for a Turkey VPN. This provider offers some of the strongest security features available including Tor over VPN, Double VPN, and anti-DDoS internet connections. With up to six simultaneous connections, it’s also one of the most generous plans for the price. NordVPN is completely logless and based in Panama—far beyond the reach of government-run spy agencies. It can also unblock anti-VPN streaming services.

Some of the sites NordVPN unblocks are US Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Sky, and Sling TV. It beat all competitors in our speed tests so you can expect a seamless streaming experience and fast download speeds.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect concurrently.

BEST VPN FOR TURKEY:NordVPN is our first choice. It has top speeds for streaming, keeps a no-logging policy, and is packed with great security features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee making it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN here.

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2. Surfshark

Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that currently runs over 3,200 servers in 60+ countries, making it easy to obtain a low-latency connection wherever you are. It’s fast enough to stream live HD video without any noticeable buffering, and capable of unblocking major region-locked platforms like Netflix, ITV Hub, and Amazon Prime Video. Best of all, this service has no connection limit, meaning you can secure every device you own with a single account.

This VPN puts your security first. It boasts 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, an ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. There’s also a NoBorders feature that allows you to bypass web-blocking in countries (like Turkey) which have strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could identify you but if you’re concerned, you can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum for added digital privacy. Customer support is available (via live chat and email) 24 hours per day.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux, and iOS devices. Manual installation is required for wireless routers.

GOOD BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark offers powerful security and complete privacy protections, but also high connection speeds and great unblocking ability. This service lets you connect all of your devices at once and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full user review of Surfshark.

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3. IPVanish

Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a rare find: a beginner-friendly service with the ability to bypass Turkish censorship and provide first-class performance. In our latest tests, it delivered average speeds of more than 300 Mbps –  that’s fast enough to stream 4K video on multiple devices simultaneously so you shouldn’t notice any problems unless you’re using an extremely slow connection to start with. Torrenting is allowed on any server, there are no connection limits, and support staff are ready to help, day or night, over live chat.

Let’s start with the basics. IPVanish uses uncrackable encryption to hide your activities from anyone monitoring the network. It also offers a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a Threat Protection tool designed to block trackers, ads, and malware automatically. There are a couple of more advanced tools as well. For instance, you can allow specific apps to pass through the VPN unencrypted or scramble your OpenVPN traffic to potentially avoid detection. Most importantly, IPVanish follows a zero-logs policy and has an audit history to prove it.  

IPVanish has its own apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. It works on Linux systems and routers too – just follow the manual setup instructions on the website.

FAST AND PRIVACY-FOCUSED:IPVanish is a fantastic choice for everyday usage. Offers a strong set of security features and the ability to access all of your favorite services abroad. Choose the annual subscription to qualify for a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN was listed alongside several other VPN providers as being blocked, according to local news sites, but we have confirmed with the company that it is up and running inside Turkey. Express is a tad on the pricey side but it’s money well spent for a log-less, limitless, heavily-encrypted connection to your choice of 94 countries. Some of the services it unblocks reliably are US Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption which is considered ‘military-grade.’ Advanced security features include an internet kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection, so your information always remains secure within the encrypted tunnel. What’s more, it only stores non-identifying metadata, and real IP addresses are not recorded.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wifi routers. You may connect up to five devices at a time.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN has solid speeds for torrenting and streaming, great online content unblocking capabilities, and advanced security features. It works with services blocked in Turkey including Skype and Twitter. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN here.

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5. Hotspot Shield

Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

Hotspot Shield has fast, reliable connection speeds thanks to its network of 3000+ servers throughout 70+ countries. This service is particularly good at bypassing regional restrictions. In addition to allowing you to beat the Turkish government’s web filtering, it allows you to access services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted, too, meaning you’re free to protect all of your most commonly used devices.

This service comes with several powerful security features, including 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch (which stops all traffic if you suddenly lose your connection), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. You can also choose to connect automatically whenever you’re using an unsafe Wi-Fi network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t log any identifiable information beyond the duration of your session. If you need help, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.

Hotspot Shield has apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows.

HIGH-SPEED VPN:Hotspot Shield is fast enough for HD streaming and secure enough for torrenting, blogging, or even just everyday browsing while in Turkey. This provider provides a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full user review of Hotspot Shield.

6. PrivateVPN

Works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN burst onto the VPN scene relatively recently but has quickly risen through the ranks. It focuses on quality over quantity and does its job well when judged from a speed, digital privacy, and encryption standpoint. Some of the sites it manages to unblock easily are Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, and more.

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as expansive a server network as the other providers on this list, but it still does the job well. At the moment there are roughly 80 servers in 56 locations, including an option for Turkey.

This provider does not store any user data and encrypts web traffic using either 128- or 256-bit encryption, depending on the protocol you use. The service provides perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect simultaneously. Support for torrenting is included.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

GOOD FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN works well with streaming services. Unblocks Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and many other streaming services. Connection speeds are good although the network of servers to choose from is smaller than other VPNs on this list. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

7. PureVPN

works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

PureVPN operates roughly 6,000 servers across 65 countries, including Turkey. It excels at flying under the radar, meaning it won’t be detected by most region-locked websites and will allow you to communicate freely wherever you go. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, delivering average download speeds of nearly 400 Mbps. Be aware that this provider’s website is blocked in Turkey, however, so you’ll have to install it before you arrive. If you need help, support staff are on hand 24/7 over live chat.

All of your traffic is hidden from hotspot owners, the government, and your ISP, thanks to PureVPN’s effectively uncrackable encryption. This service also prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks and includes a kill switch (though sadly not on Mac OS or iOS). There is a tracker-blocking feature, though this only works if you choose the Plus or Max plan during registration. Crucially, PureVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy, and we know this for sure because it’s been audited four times by independent experts.

PureVPN has apps for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. It also works with a wide range of router firmware, although you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

ANTI-CENSORSHIP:PureVPN automatically obfuscates your traffic, allowing you to browse freely in places with tightly controlled internet. It’s very easy to use, delivers exceptional performance, and includes a 31-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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8. ProtonVPN

works in TurkeyTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN has around 3,800 servers in 85 countries and more than two dozen in Turkey alone. There are even special multi-hop servers stored in high-security data centers to prevent oppressive governments from accessing user data. With average speeds of over 300 Mbps and the ability to unblock region-specific websites abroad, this VPN is ideal for video calling, live streaming, and file-sharing. That said, ProtonVPN’s website, like many others, is currently inaccessible in Turkey – be sure to get it installed and configured before leaving.

This VPN supports the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, both of which are considered secure. Likewise, its encryption cannot be cracked and there’s no chance of DNS or IPv6 leaks. A built-in kill switch automatically stops sending data the moment your connection drops for additional peace of mind. ProtonVPN has been independently audited to prove that it doesn’t log any personally-identifiable information. Additionally, users can pay in Bitcoin or cash if they’d like to sign up anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and iOS. The website’s help section provides detailed instructions for installing the service on your router.

EXTREME SECURITY:ProtonVPN is packed with advanced tills, from tracker-blocking to split-tunneling functionality. Not only that, it’s extremely fast and refuses to keep any logs. The best part is this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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Testing methodology: How we find the best VPNs for Turkey

Comparitech aims to give readers the most accurate, useful, and comprehensive VPN reviews on the web. To do that, we professionally evaluate every VPN we recommend based on empirical testing, first-hand experience, and expert analysis. When it comes to VPNs for Turkey, we specifically look at:

• Privacy: The VPN should not retain any logs of user activity or data that could identify a VPN user. We pour over each VPN’s privacy policy for language or lack thereof that could indicate the collection of personally identifiable information.
• Security: The VPN should use strong, up-to-date encryption standards throughout the connection process. We test VPNs for various data leaks, including DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
• Speed: We test connection speeds to VPN servers worldwide to ensure users have the bandwidth to stream and download. We then recommend only the fastest VPNs on the market.
• Streaming: We use real-world tests to find out which VPNs can securely access popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
• Customer support: Our reviewers contact each VPN’s customer support as a secret shopper to gauge response times and quality. We give top marks to VPNs with 24/7 live chat support.
• Value for money: We assess value by considering subscription costs, but that’s not all. A VPN for Turkey should also offer a generous discount for long-term commitments and a fair money-back guarantee. The cheapest VPN doesn’t always mean the best value.
• Apps and devices: A VPN needs to be versatile and portable. We test each provider on various devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. We only recommend VPNs for Turkey with responsive and easy-to-use apps for all platforms.

This is just a brief summary of our full methodology. Learn more about how Comparitech tests and rates VPNs.

Recent media blackouts and internet blocks 

Following a suspected terrorist bombing in Istanbul on November 13, 2022, the government has enforced widespread internet restrictions.

According to reports coming out of the country, Turkey’s chief censor, the Radio and Television Council (RTUK), has imposed a broadcast ban on media outlets. They purportedly ordered this media blackout to prevent riots. A spokesperson for RTUK said:

“A temporary ban has been imposed on media coverage of the November 13 blast in Istanbul’s Beyoglu. The ban requires media services providers to observe the principles of information distribution indicated in-laws, to avoid publications that can cause fear, panic, and riots in society or can serve the purposes of terrorist organizations.” 

In addition to this media blackout, the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) has imposed widespread internet blocks. As part of this action, the BTK clamped down on social media accounts for allegedly spreading harmful or insightful content.

Due to the ongoing internet blocks across the country, VPN companies have noticed a sudden spike in Turkish consumers looking for a VPN. Hide.me VPN told us they experienced a 500 percent rise in people accessing its service in Turkey since the blasts took place. Sebastian Schaub, CEO at Hide.me said:

“Yet again we’re seeing how governments are using internet access to manipulate its citizens and control the narrative. Internet access is a human right – especially during times of crisis – and it shouldn’t be used as a way to suppress free speech and discussion.”

It is not yet clear how long this internet censorship may continue in Turkey. However, internet blocks have been common ever since the military coup d’état that happened in 2016. 

A VPN might be the only way to get around internet blocks imposed by Erdoğan’s government, but it’s important to have a subscription in place and the software installed before a blackout occurs. 

This will ensure that you can continue to access news and information from a variety of sources and will allow you to continue accessing vital services such as social media to communicate with loved ones.

How to bypass the Discord ban in Turkey

The Turkish government has ordered ISPs to block Discord throughout the country. Turkey’s Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) claims that the ban was imposed due to Discord’s refusal to help by providing information, including IP addresses, related to a child sexual abuse case.

However, the ban comes just days after the murder of two women in Istanbul, on October 4th. This crime was allegedly praised by Discord users, which many believe led to the ban.

To bypass the Discord ban in Turkey the best option is to use a VPN. The VPNs recommended in this guide allow you to get an IP address outside of Turkey, to continue using Discord as usual. VPNs add a robust layer of privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and making it difficult for authorities to track your activities.

To bypass the Discord ban, simply install a reliable VPN service on your device, select a server outside of Turkey, and connect to it before launching Discord. This will allow you to bypass the Discord ban without being tracked by local networks, ISPs, or the Turkish government.

How to use a VPN in Turkey

We’ve done our best to show Turkey’s most suitable VPNs, but the decision is yours. Reading the mini-reviews gives a high-level overview of each service, but if you want more details, we encourage you to read the detailed user review, which is referenced at the end of each one.

Here’s how to browse the web safely and anonymously in Turkey:

1. Decide on a provider and a plan that works for you. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up and register using your credit card information. If you are in an area where there is an internet blackout, this may not be possible until services are reinstated.
3. Proceed to download the relevant apps from your device.
4. Restart all devices when the installation is complete.
5. Open the relevant VPN apps, and sign in with your login information. Select a server in a location of your choice.
6. A successful connection will usually be indicated in your taskbar or at the top of your smartphone screen. Your internet connection is now encrypted and private, and you will be able to access previously blocked content.

You can try clearing your cookies and cache if you encounter any issues. If problems persist, you will need to contact your VPN provider.

Accessing Netflix libraries in Turkey

While Netflix is technically available across the world, the fact of the matter is that libraries vary by country. Turkey has a fraction of the same online content that’s present on the Netflix app if you log in with a US IP address.

Some folks think that because the account was first registered in the US, then they’ll be shown that library forever. However, that’s not true. If you log in to Netflix in Turkey without masking your IP address then you’ll be automatically redirected to the local library.

So if you would like to regain access to US Netflix, then you’ll have to connect to a US VPN server first. Most of the VPNs recommended here unblock Netflix but it’s a good idea to ask customer support in case you run into any problems.

Free VPNs usually won’t work with Netflix because their location-evading tech is not up to the job and can’t bypass the US-based streaming giant’s sophisticated filters. That’s another reason not to opt for them.

Watching Turkish television and accessing banking services when abroad

Turkish residents living abroad for work or education will benefit from a VPN connection as it allows them to stay in touch with friends and family, watch the Turkish Superliga, and access banking services.

Some of the popular channels in Turkey are TRT 1, TRT Haber, TRT Sport, ITU, and Star. They offer a range of programming, including current affairs, entertainment, sports, and movies. However, you’ll need a Turkish IP address first to access their live streams. That’s okay for people living in Turkey and logging on to the internet with a local ISP, but you’ll need a VPN to gain access from outside the country. The recommended VPN providers in this list should solve that problem for you.

Banking and other financial institutions have compliance controls in place and are bound to monitor incoming requests. To be on the safe side, it’s better to log in with a local Turkish IP address each time you try to engage in an online transaction. That’s because you won’t raise any internal red flags or be locked out of your account. It’s just easier to use a VPN for peace of mind.

Is your VPN not working in Turkey? Try port forwarding

While we weren’t able to test it ourselves on the ground, some users on Reddit reported successfully bypassing VPN blocks by using a technique called port forwarding.

Basically, the Turkish authorities have two methods of blocking VPNs. The first is to identify every VPN server in the world and add it to a blacklist to be blocked by ISP’s firewalls. Because this would consume a lot of time and resources and need to be continuously performed, only a handful of VPNs are likely to be targeted.

The second method is to block internet traffic from traveling to and from ports that VPNs often use. Different ports are utilized for specific purposes. Most web browser traffic travels through port 80, for example, while port 22 is typically reserved for SSH traffic to servers.

One of the greatest strengths of the OpenVPN protocol is that it is not restricted and can be forwarded to any port in the TCP and UDP range. This method, therefore, bypasses censorship set up to block traffic traveling over specified ports. The most logical port to forward OpenVPN traffic to is 443.

Port 443 is primarily used for HTTPS traffic. HTTPS traffic is encrypted using the same algorithm as VPN traffic, SSL, so the two look pretty much identical from an outsider’s point of view. HTTPS is frequently used on websites that require extra privacy, such as online banking, login pages, and payment processing. It is doubtful that authorities would block this port because it is so necessary for users to safely browse the web.

Port forwarding usually takes place on a wifi router, although some VPN apps and operating systems support port forwarding. The exact process depends on your router firmware, suffice to say you’ll want to forward all OpenVPN traffic over port 443 to keep it hidden from authorities.

What is the cheapest VPN for Turkey?

The cheapest VPN for Turkey is Surfshark. Most VPNs are similarly priced on a monthly subscription, so you will need to choose an annual plan to make any substantial savings.

Surfshark offers a 2-year subscription that reduces the monthly cost to just $2.69 from $15.95 on a rolling monthly subscription, officially making it the cheapest VPN for Turkey.

VPN for Turkey FAQs