Are VPNs Legal in Turkey? The Definitive Guide (2024)

Although many VPNs have been blocked in Turkey, VPNs remain legal to use. While it’s possible to get in trouble, there haven’t been reports of anyone actually being prosecuted for using a VPN.

The real issue is finding a VPN that works reliably. VPN restrictions are carried out via a website or a traffic block, making it difficult to find, download, and use most VPNs.

I put over 30 VPNs through rigorous testing to find the best one for Turkey. ExpressVPN ranked first — it never had issues connecting, was fast, and kept my VPN use discreet. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. It comes with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a refund if you’re unhappy. When I tested the policy, my money was returned in 5 days — no questions asked! 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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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Censorship in Turkey: Past and Present

Turkey’s first recorded case of Internet censorship was in 2007, when the government blocked YouTube for hosting a video that mocked its first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. YouTube offered to make the video invisible to Turkish users, but that did not appease the government, which cited a law from 1951 as its validation for the action.

In Turkey, after the Gezi Park protests in 2013 and the coup attempt in 2016, the routine imposition of bans and restrictions on social media, messaging apps, and websites has become a common occurrence. Moreover, since 2018, this restriction has been further extended to include VPN websites and VPN traffic as well.

Blocks usually happen when something politically controversial happens, mostly to control the flow of information inside and outside the country — enforcing media blackouts on certain topics. For example, after a recent bombing in Taksim Square, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube were blocked for about 12 hours until the media blackout was lifted.

Additionally, Turkey put a “Disinformation Bill” into place in 2022 that extends the governments power and allows them to drastically censor online content even further. Under this law, posts percieved as critical of the government could result in a user being sentenced to jail time.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are the most common targets, and these blocks are usually temporary. However, it’s not uncommon for news, informational, and image-hosting sites to be blocked as well.

Sites can also face long-term blocks. For example, Wikipedia, Imgur, and Tumblr were all blocked for several years in order to protect Turkish citizens from “harmful content.”

Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN in Turkey in 3 Easy Steps

Use ExpressVPN in Turkey

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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips for Using VPNs in Turkey in 2024

1. Bypass a Blocked Website

Many VPN websites are blocked in Turkey, including websites for some of the best VPNs on the market. If the VPN website is blocked, you won’t be able to purchase a plan or download the app. I recommend using a safe free VPN to access the site of a premium VPN.

Free VPNs are generally not safe or fast enough for extended use in Turkey. However, a free one is good enough to protect you while you purchase and download a premium VPN.

2. Bypass a VPN Traffic Block

One of the most common ways VPN use is restricted in Turkey is through VPN traffic blocks. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic. This is why using a VPN with an obfuscation feature is important.

Obfuscation adds another layer of encryption to the already-encrypted VPN traffic, making it look like normal HTTPS (non-VPN) traffic. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, obfuscate all connections by default. Other VPNs, like PIA and PrivateVPN, have obfuscation settings that can be turned on and off.

3. Contact Customer Support

Most VPN providers are well aware of the situation in Turkey. A good VPN provider will be more than happy to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter and offer actionable solutions. They might recommend (and show you how to) manually change ports or install an OpenVPN client on your device.

When choosing a VPN provider for Turkey, make sure you choose one with 24/7 customer support.

Try ExpressVPN in Turkey

The Best VPNs That Really Work in Turkey (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest & Most Secure VPN for Turkey That Hides VPN Traffic (Hides VPN Traffic)

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Turkey, thanks to its unique security features and unmatched speeds. Its network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries includes servers in Turkey and many of its neighboring countries — Armenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, and Greece. This means you can always connect to a nearby server for fast, unrestricted browsing.

When you use an ExpressVPN server, your connection is automatically obfuscated, meaning it looks just like any other web traffic. The other VPNs on this list have this feature too, but you have to manually adjust the settings and endure a bit of a slowdown. ExpressVPN helps you get around Turkey’s blocks with minimal effort.

ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast speeds are another reason it’s at the top of this list. After running multiple rounds of speed tests on various servers, I found that ExpressVPN only had an average speed drop of 12%, the lowest among all the VPNs I tested.

It didn’t matter whether I was connected to servers nearby or servers on the other side of the world. My connections were stable and fast enough to handle large downloads, multiplayer online games, hours of streaming, and video calls.

During testing, ExpressVPN allowed for easy access to the following sites:

This is especially useful for travelers looking to stay connected to people at home while on vacation in Turkey. ExpressVPN also allows them to keep up with their favorite Netflix shows from abroad.

ExpressVPN secures internet traffic with an extensive list of security features, including:

• AES 256-bit encryption — the same standard used to protect US classified data secures your online traffic.
• IP, WebRTC, and DNS Leak protection ensures that your IP address isn’t revealed or linked to your online activities.
• Proprietary Lightway protocol quickly reestablishes VPN connection in case of internet connectivity issues.
• Network Lock — a kill switch feature that stops unprotected data from leaking from your device until the VPN is safely connected to a server.
• TrustedServer technology on all servers — utilizes only RAM, eliminating the hacking and seizure risks that come with storing data on a hard drive.
• Anonymous payments through cryptocurrency, allowing anonymous sign-ups (using a dummy email address).

During my research, I found that ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and security practices have been audited by 2 of the world’s most reputable firms — PwC and Cure53.

What’s more, ExpressVPN’s commitment to its users was tested in 2017. The Turkish government seized 1 of its servers to find a user, but they found no identifiable user information.

Its subscriptions can be pricey, but it’s definitely worth it for its speed, security features, and proven commitment to user privacy. When you get a 2-year + 6 months free plan, you save 82% and pay just $4.99 per month.

All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy ExpressVPN in confidence for Turkey.

The ExpressVPN website isn’t available in the country, so I used a temporary VPN to bypass the block, purchase a plan, and download the app. After testing it extensively for 28 days, I requested a refund through live chat. The agent approved my request immediately, and the money was back in my account after 5 days.

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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Use ExpressVPN in Turkey

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Fast Speeds and Unrestricted Access in Turkey

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost has optimized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting in Turkey for faster and more secure connections in the country. These specialized servers can access popular Turkish services like Digitürk, gaming platforms, and torrent sites.

You’ll have faster, more reliable connections, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to do high-bandwidth activities with Turkey’s slow internet. You can also connect to over 145 servers in neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Cyprus, and Iran.

The best part about CyberGhost is that its website is accessible from Turkey, and its traffic isn’t restricted. You’ll have access to the following sites without having to adjust the proxy settings or turn on obfuscation:

When I tested CyberGhost’s servers, I saw an average speed drop of 37%. While that seems like a lot, I only noticed the slowdown while connected to servers more than 6,000 miles from my location. Thanks to my decent baseline speeds, I could still browse the web, stream in UHD, and download large files, even with the slowdown.

CyberGhost has the following security features to protect users’ internet activities while in Turkey:

• military-grade 256-bit AES encryption ensures your traffic is completely hidden from third-party surveillance
• an always-on kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet in case of a drop in connection
• multiple VPN protocols — choose from OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec, for different levels of security and speed

Unlike most VPN servers, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are not managed in a third-party data center; they’re owned by CyberGhost and managed in their Romanian headquarters. The team controls physical access to the data center, so any data passing through is extra-secure. I suggest connecting to one of these servers for activities that require an extra layer of security.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s no-logs policy is also third-party audited. Deloitte, one of the world’s most prestigious audit firms, confirmed that CyberGhost does not log identifiable user information. CyberGhost also publishes a yearly transparency report detailing the number of data requests they’ve received (and didn’t grant, of course).

If you’re looking for a VPN for short-term use, CyberGhost’s one-month plan is a bit steep and comes with a shorter money-back guarantee. The good news is that CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan is just $2.19 per month.

With a generous 45-day guarantee, you can try CyberGhost for yourself and claim a refund for any reason. I wanted to see how legitimate the guarantee was, so I asked for a refund via live chat. The agent just asked for my reference number, then approved my request. The process took less than 15 minutes. I was fully refunded in 7 working days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Use CyberGhost in Turkey

3. Private Internet Access — Powerful Ad and Tracker Blocker for Extra Protection on the Turkish Web

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA’s MACE ad, tracker, and malware blocker adds an extra layer of protection for browsing the web in Turkey. When enabled, MACE refuses to load pages that might be phishing sites (even if you don’t realize it). When I’m browsing from Turkey, it gives me peace of mind when browsing the web.

It also blocks ads and embedded trackers, so you won’t have to deal with annoying pop-ups on sites like Hürriyet. By stopping the ads from loading, MACE also frees up bandwidth to load pages faster.

Unfortunately, PIA’s traffic and website are restricted in Turkey. Once you’ve bypassed the blocked site and purchased a plan, you’ll be able to use PIA in Turkey.

To access blocked sites, I recommend using the OpenVPN protocol and the Shadowsocks proxy. There are several Shadowsocks locations to choose from, but you’ll have the best speeds with Israel (closest to Turkey). With these settings enabled, PIA easily accesses the following sites:

I had no issues on PIA’s nearby servers during testing, and my speeds only dropped by 20%. However, I experienced drastic slowdowns while connected to a server in Australia — up to 87%.

I suggest connecting to a server close to your location, especially if your WiFi is slow. This won’t be an issue, since PIA has 40 servers in Turkey and over 130 in nearby countries like Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Georgia.

PIA has the following security features to keep your data safe in a surveillance-heavy country such as Turkey:

• military-grade 256-bit AES encryption — the same standard used by governments
• an automatic kill switch to make sure you’re protected even when your internet is unstable
• several VPN protocols — choose from PPTP, SSTP, IKEv2, or OpenVPN, depending on your speed and security requirements
• server network audited by Deloitte — proven not to log user data

Unfortunately, PIA is headquartered in the US, a member of multiple intelligence-sharing deals such as the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliance. However, PIA’s audited zero-logs policy confirms that there’s nothing to share.

In 2 separate cases, US law enforcement has demanded that PIA hand over user data. In both cases, PIA couldn’t comply because there were no user logs. This is reassuring since Turkey has seized VPN servers in the past.

The biggest savings are in PIA’s 2-year + 4 months plan — you’ll get a 83% discount and pay just $2.03 per month. It also has one of the best monthly deals, which is perfect for a short trip to Turkey.

The 30-day money-back guarantee is a great way to test all of PIA’s features for free. On the 25th day of my 2-year + 4 months plan, I claimed a refund by filing a refund ticket through the website. I received a confirmation email within the hour, and the money was back in my account within 5 days.

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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Use PIA in Turkey

4. PrivateVPN — Budget-Friendly Option With Stealth VPN to Bypass Turkey’s Toughest Firewalls

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	200+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

With long-term plans starting at $2.00 per month (3-year plan), PrivateVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs you can get on a budget. You’ll be able to access the following sites on PrivateVPN’s servers:

Although PrivateVPN’s website isn’t blocked in Turkey, its VPN traffic is. However, its Stealth VPN feature can beat the Turkish firewall with obfuscation. By making your VPN traffic look like regular non-VPN traffic, Stealth VPN lets you browse the internet freely and without restriction.

When I tested PrivateVPN, my speed decreased by around 35%, but it was still one of the fastest speeds I’ve had when using obfuscation features. The app clearly states that you’ll experience slowdowns using Stealth VPN, so I expected major slowdowns with it turned on. I was pleasantly surprised when I had no issues browsing, downloading files, and streaming in UHD.

Whenever you connect to PrivateVPN, your internet traffic is protected by the following security features:

• customizable 256-bit or 128-bit encryption — allows you to prioritize speed if your internet connection is slow
• an automatic kill switch — shuts off your internet if your connection drops
• Perfect Forward Secrecy — an encryption algorithm that changes your keys from time to time to enhance security
• a no-logs policy — clearly outlined in its privacy policy

One issue I had with PrivateVPN was its headquarters in Sweden, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. Since PrivateVPN’s privacy policy clearly states that they do not log any user data, there’s no data to give up in case of a request from the Turkish government. However, unlike the other VPNs on this list, a third-party auditor has not verified PrivateVPN’s no-logs policy.

Since all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test PrivateVPN for free. If you decide it’s not for you, you can request a refund via email. While I did have to provide a reason for canceling, my request was approved quickly, and the money was back in my account 5 working days later.

Use PrivateVPN in Turkey

5. PureVPN — Low-Cost VPN With a Website That’s Accessible From Turkey

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	6000
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	31 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Like CyberGhost, PureVPN’s website is available in Turkey, and the VPN traffic isn’t blocked. You can easily purchase a PureVPN plan, download the apps you need, and connect to a server that protects your traffic. There’s no need to bypass a blocked site or adjust the settings.

My teammates and I were able to access the following sites while connected to PureVPN’s servers:

With an average drop of just 23%, the speeds on PureVPN servers were impressive. I had no issues with high-bandwidth activities like streaming and downloading. The problem was finding stable servers — I often experienced drops in connection and would need to switch servers to find one that worked.

PureVPN is equipped with the following security features:

• 256-bit encryption — the same encryption standard used by the US military
• IP leak prevention keeps your location private
• a no-logs policy — audited by KPMG to ensure no user data is ever stored

Of all the VPNs I tested, PureVPN is the only future-proof VPN. Its quantum-resistant encryption algorithms are designed to be unbreakable, even by computers designed to break the most powerful encryption systems.

PureVPN’s history of protecting users’ data is a bit tainted, though. In 2016, when it was asked by the authorities for user data in a cyberstalking investigation, PureVPN shared the requested user logs.

To regain the trust of its users, PureVPN has instated an always-on auditing policy with the established auditing firm KPMG. This means that KPMG can conduct surprise audits of PureVPN’s no-logs claims at any time. So far, KPMG has verified that PureVPN does not log any user data (at least since 2016).

PureVPN subscriptions start at $2.14 per month for a 2-year + 3 months plan — among the cheapest options on this list. Thanks to a money-back guarantee, you can try it free for 31 days. Claiming a refund via live chat is easy. After telling the representative why I was canceling, they approved my request, and I got my money back in 3 working days.

Use PureVPN in Turkey

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs That Still Work in Turkey

Test ExpressVPN in Turkey

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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Turkey

Many VPNs claim to be the best options for Turkey, but most are slow, unreliable, or have questionable security practices. That’s why I teamed up with my colleagues in Turkey to test the top VPNs in 2024 to find the VPNs that really work. We looked at the following criteria:

• Obfuscation features — Since Turkey’s technological blocks work by blocking VPN traffic, effective obfuscation (the ability to make VPN traffic look like normal, HTTPS traffic) is a must. I only included VPNs with servers that are obfuscated by default or have obfuscation options.
• High speeds for online activities — The internet speeds in Turkey tend to be slow, and some obfuscation features require a switch to a slower encryption protocol (like OpenVPN). I selected the VPNs that had the least impact on my default speeds, even with the obfuscation features turned on.
• Works with most blocked sites — All the VPNs listed above work with most sites and services that are blocked in Turkey, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and Imgur.
• A strict no-logs policy — Since the Turkish government is known for seizing servers and demanding data from companies and organizations, I selected VPNs with robust no-logs policies. I made sure to mention if a provider’s no-logs policy is third-party audited (and therefore more secure).
• Anonymous payment methods — All the VPNs I included offer anonymous payment methods for users needing privacy and complete anonymity.
• Dependable customer support — Because of Turkey’s stance on VPNs, it’s important to be able to get assistance if you encounter any issues. The best VPNs offer multiple ways to reach out to a helpful support team, plus detailed guides to refer to for self-help.

FAQs on VPNs in Turkey

Use ExpressVPN in Turkey

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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Access the Open Internet in Turkey With a Reliable VPN Today!

While VPN use is technically legal, the Turkish government employs technological blocks that make it more difficult for people to download and use a VPN. Because of that, it’s hard to find a VPN that works consistently in Turkey.

Of the 30+ VPNs my teammates and I tested, ExpressVPN is the fastest, most reliable VPN to use in Turkey. As soon as you connect to an ExpressVPN server, you’ll be able to access sites usually blocked in the country without fear of anyone monitoring your online activity.

Plus, you can try ExpressVPN in Turkey risk-free. All its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations. After 2 weeks of testing, I tested the policy by requesting a refund via live chat on the website. An agent responded within seconds and quickly approved my refund — no questions asked. I only waited 5 days for the money to be returned.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Turkey in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$4.99 / month Save 62%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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4.

8.8

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$2.00 / month Save 83%

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5.

8.6

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$2.14 / month Save 83%

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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. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.