Best VPN for Turkmenistan in 2024

Let’s face it, if you live in Turkmenistan, you have no personal or political freedoms. Heck, Freedom House, while not giving the country an internet freedom score, did give them an overall “Freedom in the World 2021” score of a whopping 2/100! (0/100 = least free, 100/100 = most free.)

The country has exactly one Internet Service Provider, the state-run Turkmentelecom. The ISP provides the government with extensive monitoring of users’ online travels, while also blocking numerous popular Turkmen websites and social services, like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Online users who are critical of the government face extensive intimidation, as well as imprisonment. The government monitors online usage, VoIP calls, operates surveillance webcams and records user keystrokes. (It’s all in the link in the first paragraph.)

In addition to all of the above, Turkmenistani internet users lack access to streaming content, as well as other online content from other countries.

Happily, for Turkmenistani and online users everywhere, there is a handy tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encrypted protection. This hides your online travels from being monitored or blocked by the government, your ISP (I guess that’s the same thing in Turkmenistan) and hackers. Reliable VPN providers also offer other protective features to keep your online activities incognito.

A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. Since an IP address can be used to determine your geographical location, by connecting to a VPN server located in another country, you will appear to be connecting from that country, opening up access to content that is reserved for that country’s online users.

In this article, I tell you about the 5 top VPN providers to use from inside of Turkmenistan.

How to Use a VPN in Turkmenistan

To use a VPN in Turkmenistan, follow the steps below.

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider (NordVPN is my top choice).
2. Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN app.
4. Connect to a server in any country besides Turkmenistan. No VPN on this list has servers in Turkmenistan.
5. Enjoy your newly protected internet connection and access to international content!

Note: Download and install your VPN provider before entering Turkmenistan. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan, and the government blocks access to their Turkmen sites. That’s why you need to set up the VPN beforehand, or you won’t have access.

Best VPNs for Turkmenistan

These 5 top VPNs listed below all offer comprehensive VPN protection and enhancement for your internet connection in San José.

Here’s a quick overview of the VPN providers on this list:

1. NordVPN: This top-ranked VPN provider offers an impressive global server network, fast downloads, comprehensive online security and privacy, and excellent app support for most popular devices.
2. Surfshark: Budget-minded users will appreciate this VPN’s comprehensive online protection at a bargain price. The provider’s large global server network provides access to geo-controlled content, while also offering extensive protection for an unlimited number of devices.
3. ExpressVPN: This somewhat expensive, yet premium VPN provider will likely be attractive to many users. The provider’s speedy and well-protected connections are available for most popular devices, all from an impressive global server network.
4. CyberGhost: First-time VPN users or those looking for easy-to-use access to a large global network of servers will appreciate this VPN. One-click access to fast connections (including streaming- and downloading-optimized servers) are available in a large number of locations around the globe.
5. IPVanish: IPVanish makes this list thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, as well as the additional privacy that its proprietary global server network offers. This makes this VPN’s service ideal for privacy-minded users who own multiple devices.

When selecting a VPN for Turkmenistan, you should consider several different factors, such as:

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

Best VPNs for Turkmenistan – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Turkmenistan.

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Turkmenistani users who require strong protection and enhancement for their online activities would do well to consider one of the following 5 VPN providers.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the top-ranked VPN provider for use in Turkmenistan (or anywhere else, for that matter).

The provider’s global server network includes 5,200+ servers in 60 countries, but not Turkmenistan. The provider has an excellent reputation for reliable geo-controlled content access.

All NordVPN-provided connections are well-protected, using banking-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection to keep your online activities undercover. Malware, botnet and ad blocking are all available.

The provider also offers obfuscated servers that help disguise your VPN connection, while a Double VPN option routes your connection through two VPN servers for extra anonymity.

The provider owns and operates its entire global server network. This prevents third-party contractors from accessing customers’ personal data.

The provider follows a strict no-logs policy, which means it saves no records of your online antics. Meanwhile, the provider’s Bitcoin payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

All NordVPN servers run all operations only from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This means that all data is securely wiped whenever a NordVPN server is rebooted.

The provider’s connection speeds ranked quite well in recent testing, making it an excellent option for users who enjoy streaming HD or 4K video content, gaming online and sharing large files. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to deal with here.

Apps for the iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms are all available from NordVPN. (M1 Mac owners can benefit from the provider’s native support for M1 and later processors.) Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, in addition to support for multiple router makes and models.

Up to 6 devices can concurrently connect to the provider’s servers on a single account.

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

BEST VPN FOR TURKMENISTAN:NordVPN is the top VPN for protecting and enhancing your internet activities from inside of Turkmenistan. An impressively-sized global server network delivers fast and well-protected connections for most popular devices. 24/7 customer support is a definite plus. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll definitely appreciate Surfshark’s premium services, which the provider offers at a bargain-basement asking price.

Surfshark boasts a large global server network, with 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries (but not Turkmenistan). The provider says that it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries in other countries.

The provider’s connections are protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, as well as automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Malware and phishing protections are also available, as is ad and tracker blocking.

A “MultiHop” feature routes your internet connection through two VPN server locations to double up on encryption and anonymity.

A strict no-logs policy, along with a Bitcoin payment option, have the privacy end of things covered.

The provider’s connections are impressively fast and are up to handling fast-moving online games, HD streaming services, large file sharing and other popular online activities. No data caps and no bandwidth throttling here.

Native app support includes options for Windows, Linux, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Android TV devices. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are also available, along with comprehensive router support.

You can connect an unlimited number of devices to Surfshark’s servers at one time, meaning you can protect all of your devices with no limitations.

Around-the-clock live support chat, email support, a “Contact Us” form and a support library mean the provider’s customer support is available 24/7.

BEST VPN FOR A TIGHT BUDGET:Surfshark provides comprehensive VPN protection at a bargain price. The provider never limits your simultaneous connections. Meanwhile, those connections are blazingly fast and offer thorough security and privacy protections. Apps are available for the most popular device platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers premium VPN services, although it charges an equally premium price.

The provider’s large global server network includes 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries (none in Turkmenistan). The ExpressVPN global network delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content in other countries.

ExpressVPN’s comprehensive online security protection includes government-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak prevention. The provider also offers a proprietary “Lightway” protocol, which the provider says offers increased performance and improved security.

The provider’s strict no-server-logs-ever policy, along with a Bitcoin payment option, keep your privacy protected. Plus, ExpressVPN’s custom TrustedServer technology runs all server operations 100% from RAM, writing no user info to the hard drive. All data is securely wiped whenever the server reboots.

As long as your internet connection usually provides fast downloads, ExpressVPN will provide more than enough bandwidth for buffer-free streaming in high definition, gaming and file sharing. No data caps and no bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun.

ExpressVPN offers native app support for numerous devices, including Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire and ChromeOS. Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your web browsing. The provider recently updated its router support.

5 devices can simultaneously connect to the provider’s servers on a single set of login credentials.

Customer support is a 24/7 proposition that includes always-available live chat support, email support, a trouble ticket system and a searchable support library.

FLEXIBLE VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN’s premium if high-priced VPN service will make a good option for many users.The provider’s reliable services, including fast connection speeds, wide-ranging native app support, excellent customer support and large global server network, make it an attractive VPN option. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Novice VPN users and those who are in search of one-click access to quality VPN protection will appreciate CyberGhost.

The provider’s massive global server network boasts 7,500+ servers in 90+ countries. Raw numbers-wise, this is the largest server network on this list. No Turkmenistan servers are available. Access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers is.

CyberGhost uses banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection and DNS/IP leak prevention to protect its users’ online activities. The provider also offers malicious website and ad blocking. The provider can also force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their web pages.

There is a Bitcoin subscription payment option, and the provider never saves logs of your online activities.

CyberGhost’s blazingly-fast connections can easily handle HD and 4K streaming, gaming and file sharing. No worries here about data caps or bandwidth limitations.

The provider’s easy-to-use apps deliver one-click online protection for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is extensive router support.

Up to 7 devices can connect at once on a single account.

CyberGhost’s around-the-clock support offerings include live support chat, a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable support library.

BEST BET FOR NOVICE VPN USERS:Novice VPN users would do well to investigate CyberGhost’s VPN offerings. Easy-to-use apps deliver one-click access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers around the world. The provider offers excellent security and privacy protections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Users in search of a bit of extra privacy from a VPN provider will appreciate IPVanish’s proprietary global server network.

IPVanish has 1,900+ servers in 54+ countries (but not Turkmenistan). While that is the smallest number of servers on this list of 5, the provider’s coverage will be adequate for many users’ needs. The provider’s self-owned and self-operated global server network keeps third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal information.

Government-grade encryption and automatic kill switch protection team up to keep your online activities undercover. A proprietary “scramble” feature disguises your VPN traffic as normal browser traffic.

IPVanish’s strict no-server-logs policy keeps your online activities secret. Unfortunately, no Bitcoin payment option is available, meaning you’ll need to pay with a credit card or PayPal.

IPVanish’s download speeds are easily up to streaming HD video, playing online games and sharing large files. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with your subscription.

IPVanish app support includes options for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire devices. The provider is also compatible with Raspberry Pi and Linux devices with a bit of manual setup. IPVanish does offer router support, but not browser extensions.

An unlimited simultaneous connections policy makes this provider an attractive option for users with a large family or who run a small business. The policy allows you to connect as many devices at once as is needed on just one account.

Around-the-clock customer support includes always-available live support chat, an FAQ library and a searchable support database.

NO LIMIT ON PRIVATE CONNECTIONS:Family and small business users will appreciate IPVanish’s unlimited concurrent connections allowance. Plus, the provider’s self-owned and self-operated global server network keeps third-party contractors away from your personal data. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan residents and visitors face severe restrictions on their online activities. This means there are several important factors that you should consider before deciding on a VPN service for use inside the country.

These are the important features to research when considering a VPN for use while in Turkmenistan:

• Connection Speed: Online activities are always more enjoyable with a fast internet connection. So, you need a VPN that doesn’t slow your internet connection any more than it has to. (All VPNs slow your speeds at least somewhat.) All VPNs on my list scored above average in my most recent connection speed tests.
• Server Network: A large VPN global server network provides improved access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Also, look for a server network with multiple servers in the country you’ll be accessing most often. This helps prevent a single server from being overloaded with connections, slowing everything down.
• Value: The VPNs I include on my top list all provide a good to great value for online users. To determine a VPN’s true value, just compare its asking price to the services it offers. More services at a low price is what you’re looking for.
• Security and Privacy: A VPN should at the very least protect your online travels with bank-grade encryption, a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Any extra online security protections are icing on the cake. A strict no-logs policy is also a requirement. Look for proprietary server networks, as they offer an added bit of privacy.
• Streaming: The VPNs I include on my list provide reliable access to numerous streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu and other popular streaming services.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Can I Use a Free VPN in Turkmenistan?

Don’t risk it. Using a free VPN offers close to the same privacy protection as not using a VPN, while also making your online experience a less-than-enjoyable one.

First off, the “private” end of things is mostly missing from a “free” Virtual Private Network.

This is because even free VPNs need to make money to keep their servers humming. Many do so by tracking their users’ online activities, selling that information to advertisers and other nosy types (including governments).

In other cases, some free VPNs will insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. (Guess what? Those cookies keep right on tracking your online travels, even when you’re no longer connected to the VPN’s servers.)

You’re not going to find that VPNs are convenient, and you’ll also bemoan the lack of performance from your free VPN connection.

First off, some free VPNs will force you to wait in a virtual lobby until a connection is available on one of the provider’s limited number of servers (in a limited number of countries). Then, you’ll select a server from a small list, or you’ll just be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Once you’re finally connected, you’ll likely see that your connection speeds have plunged. Plus, you’ll be subject to daily or monthly data caps. You see, VPNs want to preserve their bandwidth and data usage for their paying customers.

It’s your choice, but play it safe. Don’t use a free VPN provider. They’re really not free and they could end up costing you heavily. Choose a VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark – they don’t pose any of these problems, and they come at a low price.

Which VPN is best for live streaming Turkmen TV?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best VPN for live streaming Turkmen TV and sports will depend on individual needs and preferences. However, I would recommend NordVPN as they are known for their ability to stream content fast.

Does NordVPN have servers in Ashgabat?

As of now, NordVPN does not have servers in Ashgabat. However, they are constantly expanding their server network and it is very likely that they will add servers in Ashgabat in the near future. In the meantime, NordVPN recommends you connect to Ashgabat using their obfuscated servers which will serve your purpose.

What Else Can A VPN Do For Me?

A top-notch Virtual Private Network (VPN) delivers comprehensive online protection and enhancement for your online activities.

A VPN protects your online travels from being monitored by the government, hackers or your Internet Service Provider. A VPN does this by encrypting your internet connection to hide your online travels.

A VPN protects your online travels from prying eyes when you’re connected to a public WiFi hotspot in a hotel, coffee shop or numerous other public locations.

These hotspots usually lack any form of encryption to protect you. While this makes it easier to connect to the hotspot, it also leaves you open to being tracked by the bad guys while doing your shopping, paying bills or conducting other sensitive online activities.

The encryption that a VPN provides also prevents your ISP from tracking you online. This prevents the ISP from logging your activities so they can sell the information to advertisers or give it to the government.

Encryption also prevents the ISP from throttling or blocking your connection because you’re conducting what the ISP defines as “unapproved” activities. This includes streaming from certain sources or sharing files via BitTorrent.

In addition to the protective features, a VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. An IP address not only uniquely identifies your device on the internet, it can also be used to determine your physical location.

So, if you have an IP address that is usually only assigned to that country’s online users, it will look as if you are connecting from that country.

This means you’ll have access to streaming video libraries, gaming servers, financial services and other content that is usually not available to Turkmen internet users in your region.

Conclusion

NordVPN is the top VPN provider to protect your online activities from being monitored while you’re inside of Turkmenistan, while also delivering access to online content you might otherwise have missed out on.

NordVPN boasts an impressive global server network that delivers super-fast connections to geo-controlled content in countries around the globe. Those fast connections are well-protected for optimal online security and privacy. The provider also boasts excellent app support, as well as customer support.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.