Want to prevent censorship and surveillance in Turkey? With a VPN, you can encrypt your data, browse the internet privately, and access censored or region-locked internet services.best vpn turkey

In Turkey, access to the internet is highly monitored and controlled. This results in the need for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Websites are blocked for cultural, religious, and political reasons, leaving citizens unable to access news, social media sites, blogs, gambling sites, adult sites, and any content critical of the government.

Turkish authorities also use their power to enforce high levels of online surveillance. This includes tracking IP addresses, emails, messages, social media posts, downloads, communications metadata, and more. A history of violence against journalists and political dissenters has resulted in a culture of self-censorship.

In this guide, we will explain how a VPN can allow citizens in Turkey to regain unrestricted access to the web. We will recommend the best VPNs that are safe to use in Turkey to access blocked sites and provide high levels of privacy, whether you connect at home, at work, or on public WiFi. 

Our recommended VPNs for Turkey also work to access region-locked Turkish services from abroad, as well as international services from Turkey, giving you value for money and unrestricted access to all the internet’s wonderful resources!

Best VPN services for Turkey:

  1. NordVPN: Our top-pick VPN for Turkey. Securely bypasses government censorship and provides watertight online privacy. No-logs policy and many advanced features. Works to watch US services like Netflix and Hulu in Turkey. Servers in Mexico to TRT from abroad. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Great for families and people who own multiple devices. Fast WireGuard protocol. Awesome value for money. Servers in 100+ countries, including Turkey. Has a no-logging policy, kill switch, and malware filtering as part of it's security suite. 
  3. ExpressVPNFast, reliable, and versatile. Has servers in over 105 countries, including Turkey. Reliable apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Super-fast Lightway protocol is perfect for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
  4. CyberGhost VPN: Best Turkey VPN for beginners. Has over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including Turkey. WireGuard protocol offers fast connections to stream Netflix US and other international services in Turkey. Affordable prices, 45-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Mullvad: A technical VPN with many advanced features. Best for those who intend to bypass government blocks and need high levels of privacy and security. Suitable for journalists. A bit harder to use for beginners. Not the best for streaming.
  6. Proton VPN: A VPN brought to you by the developers of Proton Mail. Highly trusted VPN based in Switzerland. Has servers in Turkey. Solid AES encryption, obfuscation (Stealth), Tor over VPN, and a no-logs policy. Has an unlimited free plan with servers in three countries.
  7. Atlas VPN: A good choice for streaming. Fast US servers work to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others while on vacation in Turkey. Good for torrenting and gaming. Split tunneling and ad-blocking features. Servers in Turkey.

Summary Table

No value TEST WINNER No value No value No value No value No value No value
No value NordVPN NordVPN logowww.nordvpn.com Surfshark Surfshark logowww.surfshark.com ExpressVPN ExpressVPN logowww.expressvpn.com CyberGhost CyberGhost logowww.cyberghost.com Mullvad Mullvad logohttps://mullvad.net Proton VPN Proton VPN logowww.protonvpn.com Atlas VPN Atlas VPN logowww.atlasvpn.com
Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Streaming Services Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub Netflix, Amazon Prime Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
Avg Speed (Mbps) 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps
Popular sites Unblocked 95% 88% 86% 85% 50% 87% 93%
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 5 7 5 10 Unlimited
Best deal (per month) $3.39
SAVE 63% + FREE months
$2.30
84% off 2yr plan
$6.67
Save 49%
$2.11
SAVE 83% 
$5.50
$5.50/mo
$4.99
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We found the best VPNs for Turkey by carefully analyzing the market using a strict set of criteria:

  • A global server network, preferably with servers in Turkey
  • Fast servers that don’t slow you down when streaming or gaming
  • Zero logs policy that protects your data at all times
  • Strong security protocols with 256-bit encryption
  • A kill switch and security against DNS leaks along with additional security features
  • Access to popular streaming services such as Netflix US
  • World-class customer support

Our top three VPN recommendations must also have diskless servers that can be quickly erased in an emergency. This provides additional security and privacy for users by letting the VPN pull the plug in an emergency. This is useful if the data center is raided by the authorities, for example.

In addition, to make it into our top three VPNs for Turkey, the provider must have had third-party audits. This ensures that you don’t have to take the VPN at its word and that the service has been verified by an independent security company. 

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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 .

What are the best VPNs for Turkey in 2023?

The quick list higher in this guide is perfect if you are in a rush to use a VPN. It will quickly let you see which are the top VPNs for Turkey. However, we recommend reading the in-depth summaries below to find the very best Turkey VPN for your needs.

OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10

NordVPN is our best recommendation for users in Turkey because it offers top-level security and outstanding freedom of access. Servers are located in 61+ countries, and it has over 6,000 servers in total, which helps prevent server congestion. Servers are available in Turkey to let you watch Blu TV, TRT, BluTV, Digiturk Play, or any other Turkish streaming platform from abroad.

NordVPN is super fast thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, and it works to access tons of international streaming services, including Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Its fast speeds also make it great for making private video calls on VoIP services that are blocked in countries like the UAE. It can access social media and chat apps that may become blocked in Turkey during unrest (as was the case in 2016 when Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp were all blocked temporarily).

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, and it can be set up manually on Linux and routers. The custom apps come with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, strong encryption, obfuscated servers, split tunneling (Windows and Android only), and a Smart DNS feature. It also provides a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.

Add to this NordVPN's solid no-logging policy, and you have a service that is great for gaining online privacy in Turkey, whether at home, on public WiFi, at work, or anywhere else. You can use it to read unbiased news, post on social media, or access other important services should they be blocked by the government.

Considering what you get, NordVPN is extremely good value for money. It doesn’t have a free plan, but you can test it risk-free for 30 days. It also has 24/7 live chat support, which means you can get help with using the VPN at any time of the day. 

NordVPN has also recently made its Meshnet private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux free for everyone, even users who do not have a subscription to NordVPN.

Pros:

  • Fully featured apps with excellent security features
  • Has servers in Turkey and 60+ other countries
  • Fast speeds for torrenting, streaming international content, and gaming 
  • Independently verified no logging policy
  • Diskless servers for added security

Cons:

  • Suffered an attack on a server in Finland in 2018

IMPRESSIVE FEATURES: NordVPN is a top-rated provider of VPN services that is easy to use and fast thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. Has undergone a full audit of its apps and server network. Perfect for streaming content from Netflix US, HBO Max, and iPlayer. Servers in Turkey to watch local TV on vacation. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.8/10
Customer Support: 10/10

Surfshark was launched in 2018, which makes it relatively young compared to some of our recommendations. The service has made waves by taking all the best parts of competing services and packing them into its apps. As a result, Surfshark offers superb value for money for anybody in Turkey who wants a great all-rounder.

The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. They come with everything you need to gain privacy at home, on public WiFi, at work, or in school. The VPN has a great selection of features, including AES encryption, the WireGuard protocol, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, malware filtering and ad blocking, obfuscation (Chameleon), no borders mode, split tunneling (Windows and Android only), and Smart DNS. It also has a solid no-logging policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is good for your privacy. This makes it a solid service to safely bypass restrictions in Turkey.

Servers are available in 100+ countries, which is more than any other service we have recommended. These include servers in Turkey to watch your favorite TV platforms on vacation abroad. 

All of those servers are RAM-only, so Surfshark can instantly wipe them in an emergency, which helps it comply with its no-logging promises. The VPN has also undergone a voluntary third-party security and privacy audit to ensure its service is up to scratch. 

In addition to being fast for making video calls and playing games, Surfshark has servers in the US, the UK, Europe, and elsewhere that work to access popular international streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This makes it a great all-rounder. What’s more, you can install and use it on an unlimited number of devices, which means you can share your VPN with friends and family. 

Pros:

  • Servers in Turkey to access home services on vacation
  • Diskless infrastructure
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Audited no logs policy
  • Ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware filtering included

Cons:

  • Monthly subscriptions are fairly expensive
  • Surfshark’s app audit only examined the browser extensions

SUPER CHEAP: Surfshark is an incredible VPN for users in Turkey who want something reliable but cheap. It is fast thanks to its WireGuard implementation, and it works for streaming both Turkish TV platforms and services all around the world. Allows unlimited devices to connect with a single subscription. 24/7 live chat. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.5/10
Customer Support: 6/10

ExpressVPN has remained at the forefront of the VPN industry for nearly 15 years. The service has been emulated by just about every other VPN on the market, due to its inclusion of 24/7 live chat support, fully featured apps, and a massive server network that stretches across 105+ countries, including Turkey.

The VPN is fast thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. This makes it suitable for streaming, torrenting, playing games, making VoIP calls, and any other data-intensive tasks you can think of. We enjoy using the VPN to bypass blocks at work, and to prevent blocks and tracking on public WiFi.

The VPN provides IP addresses in Turkey. However, to keep users safer, those servers are physically located in Germany (it uses DNS routing to give you an IP address in Turkey). This allows you to access Turkish services privately, without concerns about a physical server in Turkey being raided by Erdoğan’s government.

The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. It can also be set up manually on routers (it even has its own app for routers) and on Linux. The apps come with OpenVPN with obfuscation by default, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, AES-256 encryption, and split tunneling (Mac, Windows, and Android). It also throws in a free Smart DNS service that you can use to access US streaming platforms abroad.

In addition to providing solid security and watertight privacy, the VPN works to access services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, NBC Peacock, ESPN, and many more. This includes the ability to access Turkish TV platforms like TRT from abroad. Live chat is available 24/7 so that beginners can get help, and you can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fast proprietary Lightway protocol is great for streaming
  • Audited no logging policy
  • OpenVPN with built-in obfuscation
  • Allows torrenting throughout its network
  • Diskless servers run on RAM

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Parent company Kape owns various VPNs

IP ADDRESSES IN TURKEY: ExpressVPN works well for streaming Turkish TV overseas. It has been audited by a third-party security firm and has diskless servers. Turkish IPs are provided by servers in Germany for added protection. Kill switch and obfuscation to bypass censorship safely. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 45 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9/10
Customer Support: 9/10

CyberGhost VPN is a fantastic option if you are new to VPNs and do not need too many advanced features. It is a solid VPN based in Romania that provides a choice of protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN), AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, ad blocking, and DNS leak protection. 

The only caveat is that this VPN doesn’t have obfuscation for concealing VPN use from Turkish ISPs. This makes it better for people who don’t want to access content disallowed by the government; whether that be adult content, gambling sites, or blogs critical of the government, for example.

If your primary reason for a VPN is to access blocked TV services at work, to watch Netflix US in Turkey, or to protect yourself against website tracking and hackers on public WiFi, this VPN remains a decent option. 

The VPN is very cheap when you commit for two years, and you can use it on up to seven devices simultaneously. You can easily install and use the VPN on all your devices. Servers are available in 100+ countries, and it has over 10,000 in total, which allows users to easily avoid server congestion.

A no-logging policy means that the VPN never retains any records of what its users do while connected, including the users' home IP and the IP address they connect to. Live chat support is available on its website. CyberGhost VPN has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to let you test it with Turkish streaming services or anything else you want to access. 

Pros:

  • Fast servers in over 100+ locations, including 26 servers in Turkey
  • Easy for beginners to learn to use
  • Ideal for streaming HD videos and torrenting files
  • Works with popular streaming services

Cons:

  • No obfuscation for hiding any internet activity 
  • Parent company Kape has a colorful history

IDEAL CHOICE FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost VPN is easy to use. Super-fast WireGuard protocol is great for HD streaming, gaming, and making video calls. Not as advanced as some of our other VPN recommendations for Turkey. Not the best option for highly sensitive use cases. Has over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. No obfuscation options, split tunneling, or port forwarding. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 10/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 4/10
Ease of use: 8.9/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10

Mullvad is a fantastic option if you intend to access international news sources, foreign bookies, or other services restricted by the Turkish Government. However, it doesn’t have any servers in Turkey, so please bear that in mind if you want to access Turkish websites securely. 

The VPN is based in Sweden, a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives that apply to VPNs. It also has a solid no-logs policy, which means it retains no records of your home IP address, the servers you use, or your online activities.

The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. In addition, it has guides for setting up the VPN on routers, and it provides config files so that you can connect using a third-party client if you prefer. 

The apps come with a huge number of advanced privacy and security features. This includes a kill-switch, AES-256 encryption, Shadowsocks bridges for obfuscating OpenVPN connections, MultiHop connections for added privacy, VPN through Tor, split tunneling, port forwarding, and DNS-based ad, tracker, and malware filtering.

As you can see, Mullvad is feature-packed, which makes it great for advanced users who want to torrent, or who need the highest levels of privacy and data security. This makes it a good option for journalists, activists, and anybody interested in accessing news or blogs that are critical of the Turkish government.

The main caveat is that this VPN is not as good for streaming international services like Netflix. So, if you primarily want a VPN for leisure and accessing entertainment sites while in Turkey, you will be better off choosing an alternative. It is a touch pricey in the long term compared to our top two recommendations.

Pros:

  • Secure apps for all popular platforms
  • Excellent for torrenting thanks to split tunneling, faster speeds, and port forwarding
  • Has a kill switch, obfuscation, and a no-logs policy
  • Diskless servers and Shadowsocks obfuscation

Cons:

  • No servers in Turkey
  • Doesn’t work with Netflix and other popular US streaming services

HIGHLY ADVANCED: Mullvad has many privacy and security features, which makes it better for bypassing strict government blocks securely. Servers are available in just 41 countries. No live chat is available. Also, it doesn’t work for streaming Turkish TV or US streaming services. Overall, much better suited to advanced users in search of the strongest protection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 6/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10

Proton VPN was launched in 2016 by the company behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail. Based in Switzerland, the VPN has a solid no-logs policy, strong AES encryption, a reliable kill switch, and a ton of advanced features. This makes it a safe option for bypassing government censorship in Turkey.

The VPN is fast thanks to its WireGuard protocol. Although it isn’t the best VPN in this guide for unblocking streams, it still works with quite a few popular services, including Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. It is a reliable option for gaming and torrenting. What’s more, it has both split tunneling and port forwarding, which makes it suitable for seeding with any BitTorrent client.

Custom apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also set it up manually on VPN-compatible routers. The apps are packed with features to keep your browsing private, including obfuscation to stop your ISP from detecting VPN use. Its Net Shield feature lets you block unwanted malware, ads, and trackers.

Proton is the best option for anybody looking for a secure VPN they can use for free. It has a free plan that you can use on an unlimited basis to access servers in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan. The security on the free plan is just as good as on the free version, but it is slower than the premium version and you can’t use it for accessing Netflix and other popular streams.

Live chat support is available in the members' area of the website by clicking in the top right next to your account name. You can also try the VPN risk-free using its money-back guarantee. The biggest caveat is that it is a touch more expensive compared to our top recommendations. 

Pros:

  • Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV
  • Works with Netflix, iPlayer, and other popular streaming services
  • Secure Core servers for added privacy
  • Suitable for sensitive use cases in Turkey

Cons:

  • Quite pricey
  • Advanced features can be confusing
  • Port forwarding is on Windows only

HAS A FREE PLAN: Proton VPN can be used for free on a limited basis. It is fast and secure and has advanced security and privacy features to keep your browsing private in Turkey. Proton VPN has servers in Turkey and 71+ other countries. It allows torrenting throughout its network and will work to bypass censorship. You can try it risk-free thanks to its refund guarantee. 

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

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OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 8/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 8.6/10
Customer Support: 8/10

Atlas VPN was launched in 2019, but it has quickly gained a massive following worldwide. The VPN is cheap, and it allows unlimited connections, which means you can share an account with friends and family. It even has a limited free plan that you can use to download 10 GB of data each month. That is quite limited compared to Proton VPN (which has an unlimited free plan), however, it is still a useful way to be able to gain online privacy in an emergency.

Atlas VPN has apps for all popular devices, which means you can install them on Windows and Mac computers, laptops, Android phones and tablets, and iPhones and iPads. The apps come with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, ad and tracker blocking, MultiHop connections for added privacy, and split tunneling.

Atlas VPN provides excellent speeds thanks to its default WireGuard protocol. However, it doesn't have OpenVPN or obfuscation, so if you are looking for the highest possible levels of privacy you may want to go with one of the VPNs above. It is also important to note that the kill switch leaks momentarily during reconnection, so you do have to be careful if using this VPN to access content that could get you in trouble with the Turkish authorities. 

If you want a VPN for streaming, Atlas VPN is a good option. It has servers in 48+ countries, making it great choice for traveling, and its US servers work with Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and Netflix US. It also has servers in Turkey so you can get a Turkish IP address, which means you should be able to watch Turkish content from abroad. That said, AtlasVPN states that its Turkish server is not optimized for streaming. For this reason, test it yourself using its money-back guarantee. 

Pros:

  • Fast VPN connection speeds in 40+ countries, including Turkey
  • MultiHop connections for improved online security
  • Reliable general-purpose VPN
  • Strict no-log policy

Cons:

  • Kill switch leaks during reconnection
  • Fewer server locations than our top picks
  • Turkish server is not optimized for streaming

GOOD FOR STREAMING: Atlas VPN is fast and reliable for streaming international services in Turkey. It has servers in over 40 countries and offers fast WireGuard connections for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Fewer advanced features, and is less suitable for sensitive use cases due to its lack of obfuscation and a temperamental kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Turkey

We test and review VPNs using a precise method and a set of criteria that has to be met. This allows us to compare the market and find the best VPNs for distinct use cases. Below, you can see the criteria we used to find the best VPNs for Turkey:

  • Robust privacy features: We test VPNs for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure the VPN is preventing tracking at the hands of your ISP. We also only recommend VPNs with no logs policies, reliable encryption, and that have incurred third-party audits that prove they work as advertised (our top three services have been audited).
  • Fast servers and protocols: A slow VPN is frustrating, and stops you from enjoying the internet speeds you pay your ISP for. We recommend VPNs that keep your internet speeds the same so you can continue streaming, torrenting, playing video games, and making phone calls without interruptions. 
  • Reliable customer support: We test each VPN to see whether the customer support is up to par. We ask difficult questions and use email and live chat support to ensure that the VPN can cater to both beginners and advanced users.
  • A global server network: We looked for VPNs with a large global server network that can access international services, help you bypass censorship, and give you unlimited freedom online. We tried to recommend as many VPNs that have servers in Turkey as possible. However, some VPNs do not have servers in Turkey – so check our summaries.
  • Advanced security features: We check each VPN to see which ones offer good value for money, as well as features such as Tor over VPN, MultiHop connections, obfuscation, tracker and ad blocking, malicious website protection, split tunneling, and port forwarding.
  • Diskless servers: We only recommend VPNs in our top three that use diskless, RAM-only servers. This allows the provider to clear the server in an emergency, which helps the service to always comply with its no-logging promise and protects user privacy in the event that a server is raided by the authorities. 

Turkey VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN in Turkey?

Yes. We have recommended two reliable VPN providers in this guide that have a limited free plan: Proton VPN and AtlasVPN. The benefit of these free VPNs is that you can gain freedom of access and privacy online in an emergency, without needing to pay. Best of all, both of the free options recommended in this guide offer a reliable service that will not put your data or devices at risk.

Remember that the vast majority of free VPNs that appear in search engines and app stores have lapse privacy policies designed to let them track users for profiling purposes. These VPNs will sell your browsing habits to third parties such as marketing companies and data brokers. This is a huge risk to your online privacy.

In addition, many free VPNs have been found to lack encryption, suffer from IP, DNS, and Web RTC leaks, and even conceal spyware in their apps. As a result, it is vital that you avoid these dangerous free VPNs, and stick to the safe VPNs we have recommended for users in Turkey.

The only caveat is that the free VPNs we have recommended only have a few server locations (this does not include servers in Turkey), they are much slower than the premium service, and will not work to access popular streaming services like Netflix because this access is reserved for paying customers only

What is censored online in Turkey?

President Erdogan's government enforces widespread online restrictions. Blocks are primarily imposed for cultural, religious, and political reasons. The government abuses its power to silence dissenters and block access to content critical of the government. This makes it hard for citizens to escape the bubble of propaganda enforced by the regime.

In Turkey, online censorship is imposed by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK). Since the failed military coup in 2016, BTK has used its authority to block the following types of websites and services:

  • Social networking services like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
  • VoIP apps and encrypted messengers
  • Private email services
  • Torrent sites
  • News sites
  • Blogs
  • Social news forums
  • VPNs
  • Educational resources, including human rights organizations critical of the government.

According to the Free Expression Association, more than 467,000 websites were blocked in Turkey by the end of 2021. What’s more, in addition to being responsible for regulating the internet, monitoring citizens’ activities, and enforcing blocks, BTK can issue fines and sentence people to jail for violating the country’s strict internet rules.

Those who support opposition parties, show support for the 2016 military coup, criticize the government, speak out against institutionalized corruption, support the Kurdish opposition, or provide news about Turkey’s military forces face ongoing persecution. This includes violence at the hand of the authorities, with complete impunity.

While Erdoğan’s government claims to implement blocks to keep the peace and protect national security, the stark reality is that this authoritarian regime exploits its powers to retain political control, prevent dissent, and censor opposing views or any information that uncovers government corruption and wrongdoing. 

In addition to imposing censorship, the government can legally track IP addresses, emails, messages, social media posts, downloads, communications metadata, and more. This, alongside its use of violence against journalists and political dissenters, has resulted in a culture of self-censorship.

What laws allow for censorship and surveillance in Turkey?

The Turkish government has various laws that allow it to block websites and track citizens online. Internet Law 5651 was passed in 2007 and allows for the censoring of content and tracking of citizens online. The government uses it to block social media, torrent sites, news sites, or any other content if it is a threat to national security and public order, encourages the use of illegal drugs, promotes violence, is insulting to Atatürk or the Turkish nation, contains pornographic content, violates copyright, or is otherwise criminal in nature. 

The Internet Law is bolstered by the Law on Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Suppression of Crimes Committed by Means of Such Publications (Law No. 5651) and the Law on the Regulation of Broadcasting in the Internet and Prevention of Crimes Committed Through Such Broadcasting (Law No. 5737). The latter forces ISPs to register with the government and comply with takedowns and blocks issued by BTK.

Additionally, the Law on the Establishment of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (Law No. 5809) provides the legal basis for monitoring people’s access to the internet. As a result of these laws, and the various decrees issued during the state of emergency (more on this below) it is vital for citizens to use a VPN to gain privacy and freedom of access in Turkey.

How did the military coup in 2016 affect privacy in Turkey?

In the wake of the military coup that happened in 2016, President Erdoğan enforced a state of emergency that allowed his government to issue laws by decree. 

In addition to the state of emergency which was in place until 2018, the country’s judiciary has also been compromised. Judges believed who supported the coup have been dismissed or incarcerated, and Erdoğan has appointed thousands of loyalist judges whose sole purpose is to toe the party line. 

As a result, the country’s social and democratic rights have eroded even further, and the government is using the rule of force to retain its stranglehold over the nation.

The various decrees issued by Erdoğan have largely undermined the country’s underlying constitution, which theoretically protects citizens' rights to express freedom of expression. 

Instead, BTK has been granted overarching powers that it exploits to place citizens under surveillance, silence dissenters, block websites, shut down communication networks and apps, and force the closure of news outlets and civil society organizations

Are VPNs legal in Turkey?

Yes. Although the Turkish government heavily restricts access to VPNs, including by blocking access to their websites and by blocking their servers, it is still technically legal to have a VPN in Turkey. The Turkish government recognizes the need for VPNs for business purposes, which is why it has not outright banned or outlawed the use of VPNs. Instead, the government has used its powers to force ISPs to block access to known VPN websites and servers. 

The important thing to remember is that while having a VPN is not necessarily illegal in itself, how you use a VPN could be illegal. Using a VPN to commit online harm, engage in harassment, cyberbullying, carry out hacking, or access content purposefully restricted by the government could lead to prosecution.

Due to the current political environment and the lack of social and political freedoms enjoyed in Turkey, it is important for citizens to be aware that even using a VPN could be enough to cause a red flag. This is why it is essential to use a VPN with strong security features if you intend to access news or content critical of the government. 

VPN obfuscation is a feature that makes VPN data appear to be regular internet traffic. This stops ISPs from knowing you are using a VPN to conceal your web visits, which adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing. By using obfuscation alongside a split tunneling feature and a kill switch, you stand the best chance of preventing yourself from being suspected of attempting to circumvent internet restrictions.

Can I use a VPN to access Turkish streaming services?

Yes. If you are on vacation or traveling for work outside of Turkey, you can use a VPN to get a valid IP address back home. Connecting to a VPN will make you appear to be in Turkey, which means you can access Turkish streaming services, online stores, and more.

Below, we have included a list of Turkish services you can access with a VPN:

  • TRT
  • Netflix Turkey
  • BluTV
  • FoxTurkey
  • Tivibu
  • Digiturk Play
  • Turkcell TV Plus
  • Kanal D
  • Show TV
  • Star TV
  • TV8
  • ATV
  • CNBC-e
  • HaberTurk
  • CNN Turk
  • NTV
  • TRT Haber

Can I get an IP address in Turkey with a VPN?

Yes. All of the VPNs we have recommended in this guide have fast servers in Turkey. This allows you to get a valid IP address in Turkey to watch Turkish streaming services, use internet banking, or access any other services that are region locked to Turkey. This is perfect if you are a Turkish citizen who is on vacation abroad, or if you have to work in countries like the UAE and want to be able to use restricted VoIP apps and access content from back home.

It is also worth noting that connecting to an IP address in Turkey can help to get you many awesome savings. Due to global exchange rates and low earnings in Turkey, online platforms, apps, and games can be purchased for cheaper in Turkey. By connecting to a VPN server in Turkey you can buy games cheaper on Steam, the PlayStation store, Microsoft Games, and many other platforms. 

You can also use a VPN to purchase subscriptions for streaming services such as Netflix or Spotify, which are also cheaper for citizens in Turkey. Just remember that you will need a valid local payment method, so this method will primarily apply to Turkish citizens living or visiting abroad.

Are VPNs blocked in Turkey?

Yes, ISPs block VPNs on behalf of the government in Turkey which can make it hard to get a subscription. The Turkish government implements strict censorship measures and it actively blocks access to VPN services as part of this, which means that it may sometimes be hard to connect to the VPN's servers.

These blocks are enforced as part of President Erdogan's effort to control and regulate internet access within the country and to prevent dissent. The blocking of VPNs is aimed at preventing users from bypassing online restrictions and accessing blocked websites or content.

However, it's worth noting that despite the blockage, there are still ways to access VPN services in Turkey, such as using alternative protocols or using obfuscated servers. That is why it is vital to stick to the recommended VPNs in this guide.

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