Best VPN for Turkey 2024: Unblock All Apps & Websites - VPN Compare (2024)

With so many VPN services to choose from, it can be challenging to make a decision for any purpose.

However, searching for a reliable service for use in Turkey brings about added headache as not all work well due to local restrictions.

Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be like this.

We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.

Below you’ll find the seven VPN services recommended by our experts. Not only are they endorsed by ourselves but by other industry leaders across the internet.

So if you’re looking to stay safe online in Turkey, unblock restricted content or any other number of reasons, here are the seven top VPN services to do just that.

Top 7 Turkish VPN Services

The following seven services come most recommended for use in Turkey as a resident or a tourist.

1. ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost
3. NordVPN
4. Surfshark
5. VyprVPN
6. IPVanish
7. PrivateInternetAccess

1. ExpressVPN

The first on our list of Turkey VPN recommendations is ExpressVPN, which we (and many others) consider to be one of the best VPN companies around.

This VPN keeps no logs, and it offers robust security features, including the strongest encryption like AES-256 and security protocols such as OpenVPN and Wireguard across UDP and TCP.

It also features industry topping server networks. The network offers more than 3,000 individual VPN servers in 94 countries across the planet.

There are several Turkish servers, but also server locations nearby in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

As such, this Turkey VPN is perfect for allowing you to unblock anything on the internet even if it has been censored or blocked by the Turkish government.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, so it’s protected by some of the strongest privacy laws around, meaning your user data can’t be accessed by local authorities or international governments.

They offer each user up to 5 simultaneous connections that can be used to access blocked websites such as social media platforms or to give you more internet freedom.

ExpressVPN also comes with dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and more. Plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

They also offer more advanced features such as port forwarding great for your OpenVPN traffic. Obfuscated servers allow you to disguise both HTTP and HTTPS traffic which can be used to bypass VPN blocks.

The monthly price is a little on the high side but you do get more for your money and big savings can be made if you subscribe for a year.

If you’re looking to access blocked sites, sneak past internet censorship, or even access Turkish streaming services such as SSport, then ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Turkey.

#1 Recommendation for Turkey

30-day money back guarantee

2. CyberGhost

A close second on our list is CyberGhost, which features security tools almost as good as our best Turkey VPN choice.

Its server network is only slightly smaller in terms of coverage, but twice in size when it comes to the number of individual servers.

CyberGhost offers 7,100 servers in around 91 countries around the world (virtual server options are available). It also offers many other additional security features, including a kill switch and private DNS servers.

The service doesn’t offer servers in Turkey which could be a negative but nearby locations Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Armenia are covered.

CyberGhost also offers a VPN server selection that has been optimised for accessing streaming services from around the world.

I especially like their 45-day money-back guarantee which is 15 days longer than the closest competitor. This gives you plenty of chance to test it in Turkey to see if it’s suitable for your needs.

Apps are available for all devices, including Windows and Mac, plus Android and iOS.

When it comes to VPNs for Turkey, CyberGhost is a great choice.

45-day money back guarantee

3. NordVPN

Next, we selected NordVPN. This is one of the most famous VPN providers in the world, and you’ll have seen them everywhere from sponsoring sports teams to famous YouTubers.

As for its server network, NordVPN has over 5,257 servers in 60 countries around the world. While smaller than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, servers are available in Turkey and nearby in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and more.

The service uses industry-standard encryption and has a no-logging policy that has been audited to confirm its authenticity.

NordVPN is an extremely secure VPN with great security features such as an internet kill switch, double VPN, multiple security protocols, obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and IP address leak protection.

Your web traffic will be extremely secure and out of the reach of the Turkish authorities.

NordVPN offers you the ability to have 6 simultaneous connections, which should be plenty to cover your devices.

As per the industry standard, NordVPN also has a money-back guarantee that lasts for 30 days. Pricing is generally cheaper than competitors, especially if you’re prepared to sign up for their three-year deal.

If you want one of the best Turkey VPN providers that have reliable connections and can bypass government censorship, then using a Virtual Private Network such as NordVPN is a great choice.

30-day money back guarantee

4. Surfshark

The next Turkey VPN we have is Surfshark – a fresh, newer provider when compared to the rest of the list.

But don’t let that put you off. Surfshark has done most things right from the get-go which has earned them thousands of fans across the world.

Here you’ll find industry-standard security and ample server coverage. Surfshark features 3,200 servers, which is smaller than the rest, but they cover 65+ countries.

Turkish VPN servers are available giving you a Turkish IP address, as are all close locations including Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and more across the region.

A standout feature is their ability to unlock a dizzying 30+ regions of Netflix. So if binge-watching movies and TV shows are one of your main usages, then they have your needs covered. They also unblock other streaming services such as BBC iPlayer with ease.

A great feature that Surfshark has is its Camouflage mode, this stop even your internet provider from knowing what you’re accessing. You’ll be able to access services such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook with ease.

30-day money back guarantee

5. VyprVPN

Next, we have VyprVPN – a service that has been around longer than most and built up a reputation for offering reliable and stable connections and is one of the best VPNs for Turkey.

Server coverage spans 70 countries and more than 700 servers around the world. We like that VyprVPN owns all of their servers and network instead of renting them from third parties as many other VPN providers do, this adds an extra layer of trust.

While this server count seems small at first, remember that all you need to unblock foreign content is a new IP address, and VyprVPN offers 300,000 of them.

Other than that, you need servers in appropriate locations, and VyprVPN definitely does the job there. Suitable Turkish VPN servers are available in Bulgaria, Greece and many others nearby.

30-day money back guarantee

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is an excellent VPN for Turkey; they’re both fast and secure, offering a no-log VPN service.

As it stands, IPVanish doesn’t have any Turkish servers available. This might change in the near future as they’re constantly updating their server bases to cover more locations.

However, while they don’t have Turkish servers available, they do offer servers in nearby countries such as Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria, so you’ll always be able to find a fast connection outside of the Turkish jurisdiction.

IPVanish’s fast connection speeds make them ideal for online streaming, and they work incredibly well with streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and more.

They even offer a whole range of brilliant security features such as a built-in kill switch, 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, IP address leak protection, split tunnelling, and more.

One of my favourite features of IPVanish is that they offer you unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can mask your online activity and bypass Turkish government censors on all your devices.

You can’t go wrong with IPVanish; it’s one of the best VPNs for Turkey.

30-day money back guarantee

7. PrivateInternetAccess

PrivateInternetAccess has one of the most extensive collections of VPN servers in the world. Including several Turkish servers located in Istanbul that will provide you with a Turkish IP address, making them one of the best VPNs for Turkey.

Even though their server network is extensive, each server is of high quality and will provide you with some of the best speeds you’ll find. This makes PrivateInternetAccess perfect for streaming video from the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.

PrivateInternetAccess allows you to have up to ten simultaneous connections per account, which is more than enough for you and your family.

If you’re still unsure about PIA, they have 24/7 customer support and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try their VPN service risk-free.

Overall, Private Internet Access is a great Turkey VPN that will help you not only bypass Turkish censorship (like social media restrictions) but will help you access overseas and local streaming services with complete online security.

30-day money back guarantee

How to get a VPN for Turkey

In this step by step guide, I’ll be showing you how to set up your VPN in a matter of minutes. ExpressVPN is our favourite and so used as the example.

1. Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up for a VPN package. There are three options available; their 12-month package offers the best price and comes with 3 free months, saving you 49%.
2. Download the app from your devices app store and log in using your username and password. You’ll also be able to download the app directly from the ExpressVPN website.
3. Select a VPN connection located in Turkey (Turkish server), then click the Connect button. After 10 seconds or so, your connection will be complete and you’ll have a new Turkish IP address.
4. Enjoy using the internet mostly anonymously, bypassing any censorship that might be in place on websites.

Note: If you want to unblock certain websites, such as BBC iPlayer, you’ll need to join a UK server. Make sure you always join a server from the country where the content you want to access is from.

How to choose a VPN?

Choosing a VPN service for use in Turkey requires some careful consideration.

Here are some of the main features you should consider before making a decision:

1. Apps for your device

You need to pick a VPN service that offers an app for a device you plan on using.

Nearly every single service out there supports Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.

Most also support Linux, and many have browser extensions for the likes of Chrome and Firefox, and Smart TVs.

If you make use of a somewhat unusual device, make sure the service supports its use.

While it’s possible to set up VPN services on most devices manually, this can be time-consuming and you’ll miss out on some of the benefits of using dedicated apps like a Kill Switch, Split Tunnelling and Custom DNS servers.

2. Servers near Turkey

Considering the fact that we are looking for the leading VPN for Turkey, we would advise looking for a service that offers servers in the surrounding countries.

This is necessary because the proximity of the server can have a significant impact on your internet speed.

Therefore, you should use a server that is as near as possible but in a country that doesn’t have the same censorship issues.

When it comes to geo-restrictions, you need to connect to the country where the desired content is available. Look to connect to countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus or Greece.

These all offer a mostly unrestricted internet allowing you to bypass any Turkish censorship. They’re also physically close enough that you won’t feel the impact of speed much.

3. Reputable no-log policy

Every VPN we mentioned above has a no-log policy, meaning that they do not store your browsing data and other information that could compromise you.

This is an essential factor to look for in a service, as it means that the service cannot provide the government with your browsing data, even if ordered to by the court.

Our recommended choice ExpressVPN found itself unintentionally caught up in in a high-profile criminal case where a Russian diplomat was assassinated in Turkey.

They couldn’t help with the investigation because they don’t store access logs. Although clearly a sad case, it goes to reaffirm their no-logging stance.

Look for services that have had their no-log claims audited by third-parties. ExpressVPN, NordVPN and VyprVPN are three providers that have.

4. Paid service – no free VPNs

Finally, we recommend always using a paid VPN provider.

Free VPN providers do exist (like Hotspot shield), but they are usually troublesome, as they offer a few overcrowded servers, lousy security, and they often keep logs that they sell to fund the service.

There are also risks of malware or being bombarded with adverts that can slow your device or drain your internet limits when using mobile data.

Steer clear of free services such as Hotspot Shield, and use one of the best Turkey VPN providers from the list above.

Why you need a VPN for Turkey?

If you’ve never been to Turkey but you’re planning to visit or move there permanently, there are a few things that every local can tell you about why you need a Turkey VPN in the country, such as:

1. Unblock websites and apps

Turkey has quite a few sites and apps blocked, meaning that they cannot be accessed by using a regular internet connection.

Some examples include Wikipedia, YouTube, while social media websites like Facebook, and Twitter were also known to be blocked in the past and continue to be blocked at random intervals [1].

2. Security from government snooping

Turkey has quite an issue with government surveillance, as you may already know.

The country was never an example of a privacy-friendly nation, but the situation has worsened considerably after the failed coup attempt in mid-2016.

Opposing views were suppressed strongly through mass surveillance, which puts the country’s citizens in challenging circ*mstances.

They are prevented from releasing academic knowledge beyond what the government permits, which led to massive oppression.

Couple this with active monitoring of social networks and services like YouTube and it pays to keep your online activity secure using a VPN in Turkey.

3. Bypass censorship

Censorship in Turkey is strong, especially after the mentioned failed coup attempt.

The country’s government has blocked foreign news websites, YouTube, social media, and many other sites in an attempt to suppress the spreading of information.

It also blocked mp3 sharing sites, adult content websites, and many others.

The only way to safely access any of these websites and their content is to use a VPN and connect to international servers located in other nations.

A Turkey VPN that can provide server locations around the world will give you the best of both worlds. You’ll have access to local websites using a Turkish server (IP address), and will be able to unlock sites that the Turkish government actively block access to.

4. Stream TV from abroad

Another big problem in Turkey, although not due to the country’s government is geo-restrictions which affect everyone across the world.

If you wish to stream overseas TV, you need to connect to servers located there, as many services only offer their content in their original countries, such as the BBC iPlayer.

In other words, if you wish to stream UK TV from Turkey, for example, you need to have a VPN that has servers in the UK and is not blocked by the country’s government and services.

The same is true for other regions of Netflix.

As you probably know, Netflix has a different catalogue for each country, which can be somewhat limited in some cases.

In Turkey, specifically, you can access Netflix, but you can only watch 194 shows and 511 movies.

Compare that to the US edition of Netflix, which has access to 1761 shows and 4091 movies, and the importance of a fast VPN with US-based servers becomes rather apparent.

Is using a VPN illegal in Turkey?

Fortunately, no.

You can use a VPN in Turkey with no fears of breaking the law. The reason for this is that the government needs to use VPN, and so do its largest businesses.

As such, the government cannot make VPNs illegal without affecting its own agencies or influential companies.

With that said, the country does block many VPNs to prevent regular people from bypassing their censorship.

The country will also block VPN traffic if it manages to identify it, but some VPNs have taken measures to prevent that and use features like port forwarding, so in most cases, you will be able to use it without issues.

It pays to enable additional features, such as using NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers or enabling VyprVPN’s ‘Chameleon’ mode.

Is there a Free VPN for Turkey?

As we mentioned before, using free VPNs is not recommended.

First of all, you’re unlikely to be able to access most of them due to the VPN ban. Many people search ‘free’ VPNs first, meaning that thousands of users will have tried them before yourself.

However, even if you can, remember that they are extremely limited, with inadequate security features, small server networks, overcrowded, and generally slow speeds.

Not only that, but most free services have direct links to recording your browsing data in order to sell it to advertisers or even malicious entities.

Or try to bombard you with ads in order to make a profit that would pay for offering their technology ‘free’ to you in the first place.

However, the worst-case scenario is to use a VPN that might be owned and controlled by hackers themselves, who would record every scrap of data and use it to steal your money, identity, and more.

As a result, it is always much safer to simply use a premium VPN (from our best VPNs for Turkey list above) that you know is operated by a legitimate service.

Summary

The situation regarding online freedom in Turkey is complex.

Many services like social media and chat apps that are common in other countries are often blocked in Turkey, and government surveillance is nearly that of China when it comes to severity and intrusiveness.

As a result, if you are a local or visitor, you are constantly under watch, while unable to access the content you desire.

The best way to deal with this is to use a VPN and to use a premium one. When it comes to VPNs for Turkey, we recommend using ExpressVPN as the number 1 choice.

Not only will that protect you from the government, but it will also allow you access to information, knowledge, foreign TV, and many other benefits.

Don’t forget ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to test it risk-free. Plus if you sign up for their 12-month package, you get an additional 3-months completely free making it 49% cheaper than paying monthly.

Sources

1. Euronews
2. Ahval News
3. SecureThoughts

Illustration © Vladimir Polikarpov