Interestingly, Iranian society is fairly tech savvy, with an estimated more than 30 million internet users.
In around 2005, Iran internet access was more severely restricted when the conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected. More recently, the government has developed a national internet network to improve internet access while maintaining control. The preservation of Islamic values is one of the reasons cited for the strict internet access in Iran. As a result, internet users are monitored intrusively by the government, via government-approved internet service providers, blacklisted websites, software designed to block internet access, and the use of deep packet inspection to intervene with citizens’ internet use. In addition, restrictions on internet speed imposed by the government prevent free-flowing internet access in Iran.
In this way, the government forces a situation in which VPN in Iran is one of the only ways to access websites blocked in Iran.
Use a VPN for Iran
The risk associated with being caught on websites blocked in Iran is no laughing matter.
Publishing or accessing banned content can result in arrests and harsh prison sentences. This is why it is critical to bypass strict government monitoring, and to use a VPN in Iran for all your internet needs. Here are the three key reasons why you need to find the best VPN for Iran before you head out to this fascinating yet heavily censored country:
- Secure Browsing. Iran has one of the least free internet networks in the world, with constant monitoring by the government of internet use by citizens and visitors to the country. When it comes to VPN, Iran is a perfect example of why you need to secure your browsing activity.
- Unblock Restricted Content. Strict internet control means that many websites in Iran are blocked or banned, such as social media, news sites, and any sites that may be seen as a threat to governmental rule or Islamic values. This includes even such seemingly innocuous sites as Facebook, so VPN is also your answer to how to use Facebook in Iran.
- Avoid Censorship. Bloggers in Iran have in the past been arrested for publishing content deemed unlawful by the government. A VPN in Iran can help bypass some of these censorship laws, to give you access to information that is unavailable on Iran’s national network.
Best VPN for Iran
In Iran, VPN is the answer to better internet access. Before choosing a VPN in Iran, here’s a list of the main features you need to be aware of:
- Security. In such a high-risk environment, protecting your internet connection is one of the most critical factors about using VPN in Iran. Only use a VPN that has highly advanced tunneling protocols.
- Anonymity. Although no VPN grants 100% anonymity, you can seriously up your privacy with a VPN in Iran that encrypts your data to avoid detection by deep packet inspection.
- Speed. A key issue of accessing the internet via VPN in Iran is speed. Choose a VPN with a solid track record in providing reliable, decent speed.
- Multiple servers and locations. Increase the potential of your VPN in Iran by using one that has a large number of servers in a wide range of countries to choose from. This will give the best chance for the best possible VPN Iran
- Availability. You’ll probably be moving around during your stay in Iran, and if you’re traveling with others, choose a VPN that covers all device types – Windows, Mac, Android and iOS – and offers simultaneous connections.
- Money back guarantee. While a VPN in Iran should work, in the event of technical problems, it’s a good idea to cover your chances with a VPN that offers a money back guarantee.
#1 ExpressVPN – Our Top Pick
For the best VPN in Iran, Express VPN covers all bases. It offers a combination of high strength security, reliability and speed.
Additional Features:
- High quality SSL secured 256-bit encryption, constantly optimized, no logs policy
- Unlimited bandwidth, 94 server countries
Cost:
- $12.95 a month
- $9.99 a month for a 6-month plan
- $6.67 a month for a 15-month plan
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For more information on ExpressVPN features, read our extensive ExpressVPN review.
#2 NordVPN – Solid, Reliable & Secure
NordVPN uses a unique double encryption method to increase security. This makes it a strong contender in the race for best VPN in Iran.
Additional Features:
- Internet connection passes through two separate servers in different locations, making your internet activity even harder to monitor.
- Fast speed – servers in 61 countries
Cost:
- $11.95 a month
- $5.75 a month for a 1-year plan
- $3.29 a month for a 2-years plan
Try Now NordVPN – No Risk -30 Day Money Back Guarantee
For more information on NordVPN features, read our extensive NordVPN review.
#3 HotSpot Shield – US Based Service
As a popular, veteran VPN provider, HotSpot Shield delivers solid, trusted protection, with a good range of features to optimize your VPN Iran connection.
Additional Features:
- TLS 1.2 with 128-bit AES data encryption, no logs kept
- Available for all devices
Cost:
- $12.99 for a monthly plan
- $8.99 a month for a 6-month plan
- Premium plan: $5.99 a month for a 1-year plan.
Try Now HotSpot Shield – No Risk – 45 Day Free Trial
For more information on HotSpot Shield features, read our extensive HotSpot Shield review.
#4 ZenMate – Not Just For English Speaking Users
If you’re a non-techy kind of person, Zenmate is a good choice for VPN in Iran. You get solid security and speed, with an easy, user-friendly interface.
Additional features:
- AES 128-bit encryption, no logs or traffic kept
- Unlimited bandwidth and good speed
Cost:
- $4.99 a month
- $7.49 a month for a 3-month plan
- $8.99 a month for a 12-month plan billed annually
Try Now ZenMate – No Risk – 14 Day Money Back Guatantee
For more information on ZenMate features, read our extensive ZenMate review.
#5 Cyberghost – The Web Freedom Advocates
A powerful choice for VPN in Iran, CyberGhost offers high-level security protocols, no logs policy, high speed and you can connect to five devices simultaneously.
Additional features:
- 256-AES bit encryption technology, with OpenVPN L2TP-IPSec and PPTP protocols
- Access to more than 5900 servers worldwide. Connect up to 7 devices
Cost:
- $11.99 a month
- $5.99 a month for a 1 year plan
- $3.50 a month for a 2 year plan
Try Now Cyberghost – No Risk – 45 Day Money Back Guatantee
For more information on Cyberghost features, read our extensive Cyberghots review.
Are VPNs Legal in Iran?
Despite strict internet censorship, VPN in Iran is hugely popular. VPNs are used by millions of citizens every day, in addition to visitors and tourists. Although technically it is forbidden to access websites blocked in Iran, the use of a VPN is a generally accepted way to bypass these blocks. The large number of people in Iran who use VPNs, including many government officials, means that it is extremely unlikely that your internet activity via a VPN in Iran will be noticed.
Why You Need a VPN for Iran
So, if you’re planning a trip to Iran, whether for business or tourism, you should download the best VPN for Iran to make sure you can stay in contact and up to date during your stay. When it comes to Iran internet access, these are the critical factors:
- Security
- Anonymity
- Bypassing strict censorship
With the stakes high on all counts, a VPN in Iran is an absolute must.