The Best VPNs for Turkey: Avoid Censorship Safely in 2026

• Written by Osama Zahid Cybersecurity Specialist
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Turkey’s internet restrictions are increasingly severe , with frequent social media blackouts and website blocks affecting millions of users. The government’s latest 42-hour social media ban in March 2025 left many people scrambling to stay connected with family and friends.

It’s crucial to get a reliable VPN so you can always access critical online services in Turkey. After extensive testing, I’ve picked out the best VPNs that bypass censorship and maintain high performance, even during blackout periods. Plus, these apps offer reliable security and obfuscation to keep you safe and your VPN activity masked.

ExpressVPN is my top VPN for Turkey. It has network-wide obfuscation for avoiding restrictions, plus its Lightway protocol delivers consistently fast speeds without compromising security. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it has a 30*-day money-back guarantee. If unsatisfied, you can contact support and ask for a full refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

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Note: The Turkish government actively works to restrict VPN access. While using a VPN isn’t illegal in Turkey, accessing blocked content may violate local regulations. My team and I encourage responsible internet use and recommend familiarizing yourself with current laws before using a VPN in Turkey.

Quick Guide: 5 Best VPNs for Turkey in 2026

1. ExpressVPN — The #1 Turkey VPN, offering network-wide obfuscation and airtight security.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Offers multiple obfuscation-compatible servers across various locations, but obfuscation causes significant slowdowns.
3. NordVPN — Advanced security tools to protect your data, though it costs a bit more than other options.
4. Surfshark — The best-value VPN for staying safe in Turkey, but it’s within the 9 Eyes’ jurisdiction.
5. Proton VPN — Privacy-focused VPN with Secure Core servers, though there are fewer servers overall.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

The Best VPNs Still Working in Turkey (Tested in 2026)

1. ExpressVPN — The Best VPN for Turkey With Network-Wide Obfuscation

Key Features:

• Includes Turkish options in its vast network of 3,000+ servers
• Provides network-wide obfuscation, AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy for safety
• Maintains fast connection speeds for lag-free browsing and streaming
• 30*-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is the top VPN for Turkey thanks to its network-wide obfuscation, which disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This makes it much harder for Turkish ISPs to detect and block your VPN usage. During my tests, I could reliably access blocked platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and YouTube without any connection issues.

The TrustedServer technology and strict no-logs policy provide robust privacy protection. All servers run on RAM, which means your data is automatically wiped during regular reboots. Additionally, ExpressVPN has the following to improve safety:

• Advanced Protection — blocks ads, trackers, and malware while surfing the web.
• AES 256-bit encryption — safeguards your traffic against prying eyes.
• Kill switch — stops all traffic if the VPN disconnects to preserve your anonymity.
• Leak protection — prevents IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.

I recorded impressive speeds during my testing, with only a 13% drop on average. From my baseline of 126 Mbps, I still maintained around 110 Mbps when connected to its Turkish servers. This is due to ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol ensuring speeds are fast enough to stream in UHD without compromising on your data security.

While ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat, you might not be able to access it if the website is blocked where you are. Thankfully, you can contact ExpressVPN’s support via email at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com to request help or an alternative download link.

While ExpressVPN costs more than other options, it’s worth it for the reliable performance in Turkey. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free , as the app’s 30*-day money-back guarantee lets you get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Multiple Obfuscated Servers for Safety in Turkey

Key Features:

• Has a vast network of servers that covers 91 countries
• Supports obfuscation via Shadowsocks across various server locations
• Provides fast connection speeds when connected to nearby servers
• 30-day money-back guarantee

PIA’s obfuscation helps you maintain privacy in Turkey’s restrictive internet environment thanks to its support for obfuscation via Shadowsocks . During my tests, I found that it’s easy to enable PIA’s Shadowsocks feature to route traffic through one of the obfuscation-compatible servers. Speeds remained reliably fast with obfuscation, with only an 18% drop from baseline.

PIA has many security features to enhance protection in high-censorship regions. The automatic kill switch prevents any unprotected traffic if your VPN connection drops, while the MACE feature blocks malicious domains and trackers. Plus, the app’s strict no-logs policy ensures none of your browsing data or personal information is stored on the app’s servers.

One downside is that PIA doesn’t include Turkish servers. However, PIA’s vast network of 29,650+ servers in 91 countries makes it easy to find a nearby option.

If you find that access to the PIA website is blocked, you can contact support via email at helpdesk@privateinternetaccess.com . This lets you request alternative mirror links to download the VPN or access the website.

It’s also one of the cheapest month-to-month VPNs , which is great if you want a short-term VPN. All PIA purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try PIA risk-free and get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the performance.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Playstation, Xbox, AppleTV, Kodi, Chromecast, smart TVs, Nvidia Shield, routers, and more.

Pricing update for Black Friday: $ 2.03 /month for a three-year plan with 4 months free ( 83 %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here .

3. NordVPN — Strong Security Features to Keep You Safe in Turkey

Key Features:

• Offers 8918+ servers that cover 178 countries, including Turkey
• AES 256-bit encryption and other advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection for added protection
• Connection speeds only drop slightly when connected to nearby servers
• 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN’s security features and specialty servers improve protection and privacy in countries like Turkey. Double VPN servers route your traffic through two different locations for extra encryption, while the obfuscated servers hide your VPN usage to prevent detection. Plus, it has AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy to keep you safe.

During tests. I was impressed by NordVPN’s reliable speeds . It has servers in 178 locations, including Turkey. I only experienced a 15% drop when connected to its Turkish server and nearby options in Greece and Bulgaria, ensuring streams played in UHD without buffering. Even when using the Double VPN feature, my speeds stayed above 70 Mbps.

Some countries may block the NordVPN website, but you can always contact support via email at support@nordvpn.com . This is a good way to request a mirror link to access the website or the official setup files for the VPN.

However, the app’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try NordVPN risk-free to see if it’s right for you.

NordVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Playstation, Xbox, AppleTV, Kodi, Chromecast, smart TVs, routers, and more.

4. Surfshark — unlimited Device Connections to Secure All Your Devices in Turkey

Key Features:

• Has Turkish server options in its impressive network of 4,500+ servers
• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections, ensuring safety for all devices
• NoBorders mode, AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and built-in antivirus
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark lets you protect every device in your household with just one subscription. This is valuable in Turkey, where multiple family members may need VPN protection to maintain privacy. During my tests, I connected 8 devices simultaneously to Surfshark’s Istanbul server and noticed minimal impact on performance.

The app has many security features, like AES 256-bit encryption , a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and Camouflage mode for obfuscation. Plus, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode helps maintain internet access in high-censorship regions . During the March 2025 social media blackout, many users relied on NoBorders to access platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

While Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (a 9 Eyes country), its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte , confirming it doesn’t store any user data.

If you’re unable to access the Surfshark website in your country, you can contact support by email at support@surfshark.com . You can use this support channel to request a download link to the VPN that’ll work in your location.

You can try Surfshark risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Playstation, Xbox, AppleTV, Kodi, Chromecast, smart TVs, routers, and more.

5. Proton VPN — Highly Secure VPN From a Privacy-Focused Company

Key Features:

• Network of 15,370+ servers in 126 countries, with multiple options in Turkey
• Built by Proton, a Swiss-based company renowned for its privacy focus
• AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and specialized Secure Core servers
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Proton VPN is built by a privacy-focused company renowned for protecting its users’ anonymity. It delivers obfuscation via its Stealth protocol and has Secure Core to route traffic through multiple privacy-focused countries like Switzerland, ensuring you’re always protected. It also provides AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and leak protection as standard.

Its network of 15,370+ servers isn’t the biggest, but connections are always smooth. In my tests, connection speeds only dropped by 20% when connected to its servers in Istanbul . Note that speeds may be slower if you use Secure Core, as the traffic is routed through multiple locations for additional privacy.

You can contact Proton VPN’s support via email at support@protonvpn.zendesk.com if the website is blocked where you are. This support channel lets you ask for help if you have issues or request alternative download links to get the app.

Plus, the app’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try Proton VPN without risk.

Proton VPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, routers and more.

March 2025 Turkey Social Media Ban — What Happened?

The Turkish government imposed a 42-hour social media blackout in March 2025 , blocking access to major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram throughout the country. The ban was triggered by political protests that erupted after the arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Turkish authorities justified this as a measure to prevent the spread of “disinformation” and maintain public order. However, the blackout had a large impact on personal communications and businesses . Turkish residents were suddenly unable to communicate with family and friends, while businesses relying on social media marketing suffered losses.

VPN usage surged dramatically during the ban period. The best-performing VPNs during this time were those with obfuscation technology and servers in nearby countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece. This highlights why having a reliable VPN is important in Turkey to maintain access to essential online services during blackout periods.

How to Safely Get and Use a VPN in Turkey

Safely Installing a VPN

Installing a VPN before traveling to Turkey is the best option. This is the safest and most reliable method, as many VPN websites are blocked in Turkey. However, if you’re unable to do this, the following methods can work:

• Use mirror links. Top VPN services like ExpressVPN maintain alternative URLs that aren’t blocked in Turkey. Contact the VPN’s customer support via email to request their current mirror link for downloading in Turkey.
• Access through GitHub repositories. Some VPN providers, like Proton VPN, host their repositories on GitHub , which is generally accessible in Turkey.
• Use the Tor Browser. While Tor itself is restricted in Turkey, you can use Tor bridges to access it and then download a VPN. However, this method can be slow.
• Ask someone outside Turkey to help. Have a friend or family member download the VPN installation files and send them to you through secure file-sharing services or email attachments.

Using a VPN

The following steps explain how you can use a VPN’s obfuscation to ensure maximum security in Turkey. VPNs like ExpressVPN have it enabled network-wide by default. However, VPNs like PIA require additional steps to set up. The following steps explain how to use obfuscation on PIA, but you can follow similar steps for other VPNs that support the feature:

1. Install the VPN. Use the tips above to safely install your preferred VPN before you start to use it in Turkey.
2. Access the VPN’s settings. Click the three dots at the top-right and open the VPN’s settings menu.
3. Access Multi-Hop. Open Multi-Hop configuration through the menu on the left-hand side of the app’s settings menu.
4. Enable obfuscation and Multi-Hop. Enable Multi-Hop and obfuscation to configure the feature and click the “EDIT” option.
5. Choose a server with obfuscation. Browse the available servers that support obfuscation and choose a nearby option.
6. Connect to the VPN. Connect to the VPN once you’ve configured the obfuscation feature and surf the web with added security.

Comparison Table: 2026’s Best VPNs for Turkey

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Our Methodology for Ranking the Best VPNs for Turkey

I used our comprehensive testing methodology and ranked VPNs using the following criteria to determine which ones are the best for Turkey:

• Obfuscation — I prioritized VPNs that support obfuscation, letting you hide your VPN usage in Turkey.
• Security — I picked VPNs with reliable safety features like AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and leak protection.
• Servers in Turkey — I looked for VPNs that have Turkish servers, giving you access to local content while ensuring safety.
• Connection Speed — I found VPNs that maintain consistent connection speeds while surfing the web in Turkey.
• Customer Support — I selected VPNs that have helpful support, letting you easily get help by email if there’s an issue.
• Value for Money — I picked VPNs that deliver excellent value for money on both short-term and long-term purchases.
• Money-Back Guarantee — I only chose VPNs with money-back guarantees, ensuring you can try them without risk in Turkey.

Yes, using a VPN is legal in Turkey , but the government actively tries to restrict VPN usage. Since 2016, Turkish authorities have blocked many VPN services and the Tor network to limit access to banned websites and social media platforms. While no one has been arrested simply for using a VPN, the government can penalize users who access restricted content.

Yes, you can watch Netflix with a VPN in Turkey , but you’ll need a reliable service. The VPNs I recommend work with Netflix libraries across different countries while maintaining fast speeds for HD streaming. Just connect to a server in your desired country to view that region’s content catalog.

You shouldn’t use a free VPN in Turkey due to various security and privacy risks. Unlike the best premium VPNs , free VPNs often lack the obfuscation features needed to ensure security in areas of high censorship. Many free VPNs also log and sell user data, which could compromise your privacy.

There are some worthwhile freemium VPNs by paid providers that you can consider. Some of these, like Proton VPN, even include obfuscation in the free version. However, none of these are as good as a reliable premium VPN.

Use a Reliable VPN to Stay Secure and Anonymous in Turkey

The decline of internet freedom in Turkey makes having a reliable VPN essential. Having one lets you avoid social media blackouts while ensuring your activity stays secure and anonymous. It’s crucial to pick a VPN with strong security features and obfuscation to ensure you’re as secure as you can be online.

While each of the above apps is effective, ExpressVPN is the #1 choice for Turkey because it’s fast, secure, and reliable. Its automatic obfuscation, impressive speeds, and proven no-logs policy make it ideal for overcoming online censorship safely. Plus, you can buy ExpressVPN with confidence , since it’s backed by a 30*-day money-back guarantee.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Turkey in 2026

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.