Best VPN for Iraq in 2025?

Internet users in Iraq enjoy only a “partly free” online experience.

The Iraqi government has resorted to network shutdowns and social media blocking during times of political unrest. Iraqi security forces pressure journalists and activists to avoid discussing certain topics online. Meanwhile, law enforcement agents routinely arrest internet users, many times accusing them of defamation under the penal code.

Iraqis also face the same online dangers and roadblocks as online users everywhere, which means hackers are monitoring them, and they’re facing online content roadblocks keeping them away from their favorite content, streaming and otherwise.

Luckily, there is a tool that you can use to avoid the above online perils and frustrations. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps your online travels undercover, while helping users avoid the many virtual roadblocks on the internet.

A VPN keeps your online activities incognito by encasing your internet connection in a virtual “tunnel” of encryption. This ensures that hackers, the government and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot track your online activities.

Quality VPNs do not keep logs of your online travels. This means there’s no record of your online travels to use against you at a later time.

A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. By selecting a VPN server located in another country, your new IP address will make it appear as if you are connecting from inside of that country. This allows you to access geo-controlled content that is intended only for online users in that country to access.

In this article, I share information about the 3 best VPN service providers that offer the best online security and privacy while in Iraq, while also giving you access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

How to Use a VPN in Iraq

Following the simple steps listed below, you can reliably protect and enhance your in-Iraq internet activities:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite device(s).
3. Log in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located outside of Iraq to access geo-blocked content located in another country, or to protect your online activities. (None of the providers on this list have servers based inside of Iraq.)
5. Enjoy your secure and enhanced internet freedom! 

Best VPN Services for Iraq

The 3 top VPN providers on the list below provide reliable online security and enhancement for your Iraq-based online activities.

The short and sweet version of things is as follows:

1. NordVPN: This A-1 provider delivers fast, well-protected connections from an impressive global server network. The provider delivers excellent virtual roadblock-busting power for most popular device platforms.
2. Surfshark: This is the budget-priced option on this list. Surfshark’s large global server network provides servers that thoroughly protect your online security and privacy. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: While this provider is the highest-priced option on this list, it offers enough premium VPN services to make it a good value. The provider boasts an impressive global server network that delivers super-fast, well-protected connections. It’s well known for its superior content-unblocking abilities.

When ranking these VPN providers, I considered the following:

• Global server network
• Security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Customer support

Here are details about the 3 top VPN service providers for Iraqi residents and visitors.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is your top option for best VPN services for internet users inside Iraqi borders.

The provider’s impressive global server network includes 5,100+ servers stationed in 60 countries around the globe. The server network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content around the world.

The provider is currently transitioning its server network to a fully self-owned and self-operated model. This provides additional privacy, as it keeps third-party contractors away from customers’ personal information.

NordVPN connections are protected with banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware protection are also available, and the provider’s proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on Wireguard) is optimized for both performance and protection.

NordVPN also offers Double VPN protection, meaning that the provider routes your internet connection through not one, but two VPN servers, doubling your anonymity and encryption.

NordVPN follows an independently-audited no-server-logs policy and accepts cryptocurrency as a subscription payment option.

Plus, all NordVPN servers are run only from RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive. This means that all data is completely wiped from NordVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.

NordVPN provides fast connections that can easily handle any online activities, including file sharing, streaming and online gaming. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

NordVPN native app support includes offerings for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1 Mac support) and Windows devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support.

The provider allows up to 6 devices to simultaneously connect on a single account.

Customer support options from the provider include 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR IRAQ:NordVPN is the #1 pick for VPN protection while in Iraq or anywhere else around the globe. The provider’s large global server network delivers fast and reliable access to content around the globe. The provider’s fast connections are well-protected, preserving your online security and privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the budget-minded VPN option.

The provider boasts a large global server network, including 3,200+ servers located in 65 countries. That network offers the ability to unlock 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

All Surfshark connections are protected with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A “Multi-Hop” server option routes a user’s internet connection through a pair of VPN servers, doubling up on anonymity and encryption.

The provider’s strict no-server-logs policy and its acceptance of Bitcoin as subscription payment help to keep your privacy intact.

The provider’s blazingly-fast connections (the fastest I saw in my most recent round of testing) can easily handle popular internet activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (including native M1 Mac support), Windows and Amazon Fire apps are available. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is top-notch router support.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you’ll never run out of connections when you need to protect multiple devices.

Customer support includes 24/7 live support chat, a contact form and a searchable support library.

BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark should prove to be attractive to budget-minded users. The provider’s impressive global server network, blazingly-fast download speeds, comprehensive online security and privacy, and unlimited simultaneous VPN connections add up to an excellent value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. That said, the provider offers an excellent return on investment.

This provider’s large global server network boasts more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in most countries around the globe.

Banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option and IPv6/DNS leak prevention all protect your connection when you use ExpressVPN. A proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to provide improved performance and protection.

All ExpressVPN servers are run on a completely log-free basis. The provider protects your payment privacy by accepting cryptocurrency.

ExpressVPN also uses a proprietary “TrustedServer” technology to run all of its servers completely from RAM, writing no data to a physical hard drive. All data is completely wiped from the servers when they are rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are some of the best that I have ever seen. ExpressVPN connections can easily handle streaming, gaming and file sharing. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about with this provider.

The provider’s native app support includes apps for the Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Chromebook, Linux and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s recently-updated router firmware boasts an improved user interface and performance.

Up to 5 devices can connect concurrently on a single account.

ExpressVPN’s customer support offers numerous support options, including always-available live support chat, an email support option, a trouble ticket system and a searchable knowledge base.

RELIABLE VPN FOR IRAQ:ExpressVPN’s services will cost you a bit more than the other providers on this list. However, it also offers an excellent value for the money. ExpressVPN prioritizes your online security and privacy with excellent security measures, and its speeds are impressive. A 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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Why a VPN Is Important for Iraq

Online users will find that a VPN will come in handy to protect their online activities from being observed. This is especially important in countries like Iraq, where internet access is rated as only “partly free.”

VPN usage in Iraq is technically illegal. However, as Freedom House reports, authorities do not strongly enforce the ban. Several Iraqi internet users report great success in using certain VPNs to circumvent government censorship attempts.

Government authorities frequently block access to social media sites and services (including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber and Instagram). VPNs help users get around such roadblocks.

It should also be noted that although ISPs in Iraq are private ventures, many of them have close ties to the government and security services. While the ISPs don’t log all of your activities, the information they do collect could be vulnerable to being disclosed.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Iraq

Online users in search of reliable VPN service while inside Iraq should keep in mind several factors when deciding which VPN is the best.

The factors are as follows:

• Security and Privacy: A VPN’s security features should include banking-grade encryption, as well as automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy is also a must have. All of the VPNs on my list offer comprehensive privacy and security features.
• Connection Speeds: A fast connection makes most online activities more enjoyable (except for paying bills and taxes, of course). The VPNs I include on my list consistently perform well in my connection speed tests.
• Global Server Network: The larger a global server network is, the better access it provides to geo-blocked content around the globe. Plus, the more servers based in a country, the less chance of a single server being overloaded and therefore slowing your speeds.
• Value: Always consider a VPN’s pricing and whether or not it is in line with the features and functionality it offers. Each of the VPNs on my list for Iraq offer a level of service that justifies its price.
• Ease of Use: VPN apps should be available for popular device platforms and be easy to use. The VPNs I include on my list offer support for multiple devices, and the apps are intuitive and easy to use.
• Streaming: The VPNs on this list all offer reliable access to streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and other streamers.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN in Iraq?

Many VPNs are blocked in Iraq. This makes finding a free VPN that works inside of Iraq a bit more difficult than in other countries.

However, even if you do find a freebie VPN that works inside of the country, you likely won’t be satisfied with the experience.

First of all, free VPNs can damage your online privacy.

Many no-fee VPN providers keep their lights on by recording their users’ online activities. They then sell that valuable information to advertisers and others that are willing to pay for it.

Some free providers have also been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions (cookies that will continue tracking you, even when you’re no longer connected to the free VPN’s servers).

Free VPNs are also less than satisfactory in the convenience and performance departments.

First of all, you may be forced to cool your heels in a virtual waiting room before being allowed to connect to one of the provider’s small number of servers. Or, you’ll be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Once you are finally connected to a “free” VPN server, you’ll see your connection speeds drop like a rock. You’ll also be subject to daily or monthly data caps when using a freebie provider. This is because VPNs want to preserve their bandwidth for their paying customers.

If you’re looking to save some money on VPN protection, stay away from a free VPN, and instead try NordVPN or Surfshark. Both offer excellent VPN protection for a reasonable price.

What Other Advantages Does a VPN Provide?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online travels from being monitored, while providing access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

A VPN encases your connection in a tunnel of encryption, keeping your online activities undercover. This prevents your ISP, the government and hackers from tracking and monitoring your online travels.

When you’re at home, a VPN’s encrypted protection prevents your ISP from throttling or blocking your internet connection because you’re engaged in what it considers “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from various video services or sharing files via P2P with other users.

An encrypted VPN connection also protects you when you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspot. Hackers love hotspots as it makes it easy to monitor users while they browse the web, check email, pay bills or shop online, as there is no encrypted protection on the hotspot.

A VPN also provides access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

A VPN assigns a fresh IP address to your internet-capable device when you connect to one of its servers. Since websites and services use IP addresses to determine a device’s geographical location, it will look as if you’re connecting from another location of the world, opening access to content limited to that area of the world.

Conclusion

Iraqi residents and visitors are strongly advised to take advantage of a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect and enhance their internet activities. My #1 choice is NordVPN.

NordVPN provides comprehensive online protection and privacy. A large global server network provides access to geo-blocked content around the world. That server network delivers fast, well-protected connections. Native app support is available for popular device platforms, and customer support is available 24/7.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.