Social media are often targeted during times of political unrest in Turkey, and the frequency of such shutdowns seems to be increasing. The latest suspected terrorist bombing in Istanbul on November 13, 2022, has led President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government to impose widespread internet restrictions. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and WhatsApp are among the social networks blocked by internet service providers in the latest case of internet censorship in the country. You can bypass these blocks with a VPN.

If you’re living in or traveling to Turkey, there’s never been a more critical time to use a VPN. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a server of the user’s choosing.

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.

If you don’t want to read the whole article here is a summary of the best VPNs for Turkey:

  • 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.
  • Surfshark Best budget VPN choice. Reliable provider with strong security and online privacy credentials. Unblocks plenty of geo-restricted services.
  • ExpressVPN Highly secure service with servers in a whopping 94 countries. Great at bypassing blocks.
  • Hotspot Shield A security-conscious provider with solid connection speeds.
  • PrivateVPN A newcomer with fast connection speeds. Suitable for streaming.
  • VyprVPN Owns all their servers. Works well with streaming services.

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.

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 – at a glance

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.

Best VPNs for Turkey

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

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works in TurkeyTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

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.

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.

Pros:

  • Incredible speeds
  • Excellent unblocking ability
  • Expansive server network
  • No-logs privacy policy

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes a while to connect

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN here.

2. Surfshark

Works in TurkeyTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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.

  • Cutting edge online security features

  • Strict No-logs policy

  • No connection limit

  • Still has the occasional slow server speed

Read our full user review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

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.

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.

  • High-speed connections

  • Great for streaming

  • Strong security features

  • Advanced configuration for power-users is a little limited

Read our full review of ExpressVPN here.

4. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

This service comes with several powerful security features including 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch (which stops all traffic if you lose your connection suddenly), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. You can also choose to connect automatically whenever you’re using an unsafe wifi 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.

  • Strong unblocking ability

  • Fast, reliable connections

  • Powerful security features

  • Past digital privacy issues

  • Doesn‘t work with Linux systems

Read our full user review of Hotspot Shield.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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.

  • Faster than most similar VPNs

  • Keeps no logging policy

  • Anonymous sign up possible

  • No live chat available

  • Fewer servers than its rivals

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

6. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN was also reportedly targeted by Turkish authorities, but the company told us today that it is operating as usual from within the country. VyprVPN is one of the few providers that actually owns all of its own physical server infrastructure, rather than renting out space from someone else. That means connections are private and fast. Add in VyprVPN’s bespoke Chameleon protocol for an extra fee, and you’ll be protected from just about everything.

VyprVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol and offers features like DNS leak protection. Its proprietary Chameleon™ scrambling technology adds an additional layer of obfuscation so that your connection remains hidden. This provider is also one of the few that consistently thwarts China’s Great Firewall – no mean feat given that thousands of state-appointed engineers work around the clock to ensure sites and apps remain blocked in China.

At the moment the company has more than 700 servers worldwide, including an option in Turkey. It offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. A single subscription allows for five simultaneous connections.

INDEPENDENT NETWORK:VyprVPN is a good all-rounder that own all their servers resulting in a fast and secure service. Scores good marks for privacy and works well with streaming services but there are cheaper options in this list. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unblocks Netflix US, and others

  • Keeps no logs

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Doesn’t accept bitcoin

Read our full review of VyprVPN here.

VPN for Turkey testing methodology

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 any 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 and up-to-date encryption standards throughout the connection process. We test VPNs for a variety of data leaks including DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
  • Speed: We test connection speeds to VPN servers around the world to ensure users have the necessary bandwidth to stream and download.
  • 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.

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 a common occurrence 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 source and will allow you to continue accessing vital services such as social media to communicate with loved ones.

How to use a VPN in Turkey

We’ve done our best to show the most suitable VPNs in Turkey, but the end decision is yours. Reading the mini-reviews gives a high-level overview of each service, but if you want more details then 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:

  • Decide on a provider and a plan that works for you. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Sign up and register with 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.
  • Proceed to download the relevant apps from your device.
  • Restart all devices when the installation is complete.
  • Open the relevant VPN apps, and sign in with your login information. Select a server in a location of your choice.
  • A successful connection will usually be indicated in your taskbar or on the top of your smartphone screen. Now your internet connection is encrypted and private.

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, to access their live streams, you’ll need a Turkish IP address first. 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.

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, it’s likely only a handful of VPNs are being 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 OpenVPN protocol’s greatest strengths is that it is not restricted and can be forwarded to any port on 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, log in pages, and making payments. 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.

That being said, what residents of Turkey do online while connected to the VPN is still subject to the laws and regulations of Turkey. We do not encourage readers to break the law while using a VPN, even though the VPN is intended to hide your online activity.

Furthermore, Turkish authorities have been rather active in 2017 when it comes to blocking access to VPN servers. We’ve received several comments saying that the VPNs we recommended have been blocked, but thankfully these blocks were only temporary. They have been rectified by the VPN companies and continue to operate, but users should still expect occasional downtime.

On a practical level, free VPNs deploy weak encryption standards, regularly engage in bandwidth throttling, and don’t have wide server networks to choose from. Data-intensive tasks like streaming video, playing online games, and accessing banking and financial services are beyond their capacity.

At the same time, there are examples of free VPN providers that have willingly infected host devices with malware in order to mine data to sell to third-party advertisers. One has even piggybacked on idle user bandwidth to build botnet armies. That completely goes against the ethos of using a VPN in the first place, which is why a paid service is definitely worth the few dollars it’ll cost each month.

Popular torrent trackers like ThePirateBay are blocked in Turkey. You need a VPN to access them.

Some users report that internet service providers in Turkey will send a warning message to customers who they catch downloading copyrighted materials, followed by bandwidth throttling for repeat offenders. However,  anti-piracy laws and rules are rarely enforced.

  • VPN Master
  • Hotspot Shield
  • Psiphon
  • Zenmate
  • TunnelBear
  • Zero VPN
  • IPVanish

Additionally, Tor connections are reportedly being blocked by ISPs.

Blogging safely in Turkey necessitates the total elimination of your digital footprint while you write and publish your thoughts. This process requires you to be extremely prudent and take careful steps because the ramifications can be serious.

The web is an extremely powerful tool and Turkish authorities are well aware of that. Our guide to blogging safely has all the information you need to keep you secure on the internet as you begin to write and publish anonymously.

NordVPN’s website is still accessible in Turkey as of time of writing.

Turkey’s broadcast media regulator has the authority to monitor and regulate internet services. It can order the country’s internet service providers to block and filter websites and services, throttle bandwidth, or shut down the internet altogether.

Turkey frequently uses content takedown requests to quell discussions critical of the government on social media. Turkey has the 3rd highest rate of social media content removal requests per 100,000 internet users, behind Russia and Monaco.

Journalists and activists critical of the government are frequently prosecuted, detained, harassed, and attacked by the ruling party and its supporters.

Streaming services in Turkey must get a license to operate.

If you still want to use PayPal in Turkey, you’ll have to create an account in another country. You can do this with the help of a VPN, but bear in mind that you’ll also need a local payment method to fund your PayPal account, such as a bank account or credit card.

However, it’s worth knowing that VPNs aren’t illegal in Turkey. It’s just that getting set up ahead of time makes things easier and ensures your device or devices are protected from the moment you arrive in the country.