5 Best VPNs for Iraq in 2024

Internet users in Iraq face government censorship and surveillance, especially during times of unrest, limiting freedom of expression and information access. Internet users are often arrested by authorities, and there have been frequent attacks on journalists, activists, and social media users. This has led to widespread self-censorship.

Then, there is the proposed cybercrime bill that could lead to fines or jail time for violating religious, political, or social values. Furthermore, accessing complete streaming libraries and Iraqi content abroad poses challenges. The solution to all these issues is to use an Iraq VPN, which will enhance your online privacy and security, as well as bypass geo-restrictions.

In this article, we'll recommend the 5 best VPNs for Iraq and delve into their features. Then, we’ll guide you through using a VPN in the country, explain the necessity of using a VPN, how to choose the best one, answer some FAQs, and much more.

Best Iraq VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Iraq in 2024
2. Surfshark – Speedy Iraq VPN with Unlimited Connections
3. ExpressVPN – Powerful VPN for Complete Privacy Protection
4. CyberGhost – Automated VPN with Specialized Servers
5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN for Experienced Users

How to Use a VPN in Iraq

To use a VPN in Iraq, you need to find a VPN that works in the country. Once you've chosen a suitable VPN, subscribe to the service and download its app. Here are the essential steps:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN that works in Iraq (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN application on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
4. Connect to a server near Iraq (Turkey, Israel, Egypt).
5. You're all set! Now, your VPN is active for private and seamless browsing in Iraq.

Due to the country's harsh stance towards VPNs, no reputable providers offer servers in Iraq. That said, we recommend using servers not too far away from Iraq. Use locations in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt for the fastest performance possible.

The Best VPNs for Iraq in 2024

To see the criteria for choosing the best VPN for Iraq, refer to our guide, which ranks the top VPNs with the most servers. First, pick a VPN that has a robust global server network, including servers in countries near Iraq, like Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. Also, fast speeds and consistent performance are also crucial factors to consider.

You'll also want to be able to access both local and international content, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay. Additionally, confirm that it includes advanced security measures like obfuscation and a kill switch. You'll also need strong encryption, robust VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy.

Furthermore, seek a provider that supports multiple simultaneous connections on various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, routers, and more. Look for a VPN provider that offers a money-back guarantee for user satisfaction, as well as 24/7 customer support.

Based on these criteria, here is our list of the top 5 Iraq VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Iraq in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for Iraq, offering a substantial network comprising over 6,000 servers across 60+ countries, effectively circumventing geo-restrictions. We recommend using its servers in Israel and Turkey to protect your privacy and access foreign digital content.

We can also praise NordVPN's performance. It's one of the rare VPNs to offer equally fast speeds across nearby and remote servers, with minimal throttling. Since it offers plenty of servers surrounding Iraq, you can use it to access both local and global content, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

NordVPN also excels in security, featuring obfuscated servers across most of its network to bypass Web filtering, a kill switch for disconnecting the Internet in case of VPN interruptions, and a verified no-logs policy. This provider employs robust AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption and offers multiple protocols such as NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.

NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections and supports various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, routers, and more. You can also count on its 30-day money-back policy, as well as 24/7 live chat customer support.

2. Surfshark – Speedy Iraq VPN with Unlimited Connections

Surfshark is a highly powerful VPN that operates a wide network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, and although it lacks servers in the country, it provides coverage in neighboring countries like Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. So, you get fast performance and content unblocking - in one go.

We're talking about a truly high-performing VPN here. You can achieve fast performance on both nearby and remote servers without any tinkering. Also, Surfshark allows you to unblock websites and services within and outside of Iraq, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

This VPN also features an audited no-logs policy, obfuscated servers, and a kill switch, which means that it excels in overcoming strict online censorship while enhancing your security and privacy. You can also expect robust 256-bit encryption and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols.

A standout feature is Surfshark’s ability to connect an unlimited number of devices, which ensures seamless connectivity across phones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers. Surfshark also promises a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing expert assistance and potential refunds if expectations are not met. as well as access to its 24/7 customer support.

3. ExpressVPN – Powerful VPN for Complete Privacy Protection

ExpressVPN boasts a vast network with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, including servers in countries near Iraq like Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. This VPN has one of the most extensive server networks as well as plenty of tricks up its sleeve, so expect plenty.

ExpressVPN delivers exceptional, reliable performance and impressively high speeds. Also, since it targets plenty of countries near Iraq, you can expect reliable access to local and global content like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

The provider's servers feature built-in obfuscation for secure and unrestricted Web access. ExpressVPN also utilizes a kill switch to fortify your data protection, along with an audited no-logs policy. Moreover, it supports various protocols, including OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol (built on wolfSSL). There's also AES-256 encryption for total digital privacy.

You can easily protect all your tech because it accommodates up to 8 simultaneous connections. Plus, it is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, phones, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Moreover, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and comes with a dedicated support team available 24/7 via live chat.

4. CyberGhost – Automated VPN with Specialized Servers

CyberGhost features a vast network of over 11,500 servers spanning 100 countries. While it doesn't have servers within Iraq, it offers servers strategically positioned in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt, enabling data protection, stable connections, and content unblocking.

Sadly, CyberGhost isn't the fastest option, so it would help to have a fast baseline connection. However, that doesn't interfere with its content-unblocking capabilities. If you go for its specialized servers, you'll get access to international and local content, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

Although lacking obfuscation, it incorporates essential security features such as a kill switch, military-grade encryption, a stringent no-logs policy, and robust VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to guarantee your privacy and security.

Supporting up to 7 simultaneous connections, it ensures a satisfying experience on all your devices. Also, it offers compatibility with a wide range of devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles. Lastly, CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans and offers 24/7 live chat support for prompt assistance.

5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN for Experienced Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is famous for its massive server fleet spanning thousands across 90+ countries, including several servers in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. However, it's best known for offering servers in every US state, which is great if you want access to American content.

Even though it's not as fast as its competitors, PIA still has good speeds and stable performance. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access both global and local content, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

This VPN utilizes obfuscation to hide your VPN usage, enhancing your online security and privacy. There's also a kill switch to enhance data privacy, a verified no-logs policy, as well as AES 256-bit and AES 128-bit encryption, along with security protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard).

You get support for unlimited simultaneous connections. Setting up this VPN on all types of devices, including phones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers, allows for adaptability in your tech ecosystem. Lastly, expect a solid 30-day money-back policy and 24/7 live chat support, readily available for assistance.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Iraq?

You need a VPN for Iraq because it's the primary means of bypassing censorship and safeguarding yourself from online surveillance. Here are some more reasons why you should use a VPN:

• Hide Your Browsing Activity – An Iraqi VPN makes your traffic unreadable to your ISP, the government, and potential hackers. This means your activities (such as website visits, searches, and downloads) remain private.
• Conceal Your IP Address – Your IP address reveals your real location and identifying information. A VPN masks your real IP address with one from the VPN server, adding an extra layer of privacy.
• Get Around Local Censorship – In Iraq, various messaging apps like WhatsApp and Skype are restricted or censored, along with gambling sites. Plus, social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter have been blocked before and probably will be again. Download a VPN for Iraq to bypass these restrictions.
• Access Global Content – A VPN enables you to access content that may be geographically restricted. This includes libraries of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, websites, and online platforms from around the world.
• Browse from Home While Traveling – When abroad, you can maintain access to your local content by connecting to Middle Eastern servers, making it seem like you're browsing from home.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – Some ISPs may throttle your Internet connection, especially during peak usage times or when accessing specific websites or services. A VPN helps you bypass these restrictions.
• Protect Yourself on Public Wi-Fi – Unsecured public networks make you vulnerable to cyber threats. A VPN protects your data when using public Wi-Fi.
• Shop Securely Online – Online shopping involves sharing sensitive personal and financial information. A VPN safeguards your data from potential threats while making online purchases.
• Avoid Price Discrimination – Online retailers and services sometimes adjust prices based on your location. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location to access better deals.
• Get Better Gaming Experience – Some video games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds are banned in Iraq. Gamers can benefit from a VPN by reducing lag, accessing region-locked game content, and playing multiplayer games with improved stability and lower ping.
• Safely Download Torrents – Torrenting can expose your IP address to copyright enforcers and other potential threats. A VPN allows you to torrent safely and privately.

How to Choose the Best Iraq VPN?

To choose the best Iraq VPN, you need to find one with servers close to the country, the ability to unblock content and fast overall performance. Here's everything you need to keep in mind:

• Server Network Size: Since there are no reputable VPNs offering servers in Iraq, the best one should offer servers relatively nearby, in countries like Israel and Turkey, for example.
• Performance and Speed: Make sure that your Iraq VPN doesn't slow you down. Some of today's best providers will slow you down by only around 10-15%, which isn't much.
• Ability to Unblock Geo-Blocked Services: You need a VPN for Iraq that can open up the Web, with the ability to bypass geo-blocks and defeat censorship without being detected.
• Obfuscated Servers: When it comes to countries like Iraq, obfuscation is needed to force your VPN to use smaller data packets so that your ISP doesn't see that you use a VPN.
• Kill Switch Mechanism: The purpose of a kill switch is to shut down your traffic if you disconnect from a VPN server by accident, which is how you'll prevent data leaks.
• Privacy and Security: Our strong recommendation is to pick a VPN with protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Simultaneous Connections: Think about how many devices you need to protect in your household, and then find a VPN that offers a sufficient number of simultaneous connections.
• Supported Devices: Avoid VPNs that ask you to configure connections manually. You'll want one that offers native software across the board for all your devices.
• Money-Back Guarantees: To make your purchase risk-free, go for a VPN with a generous money-back guarantee. Today, most reputable VPNs offer 30-day guarantees.
• Customer Support: You'll want a VPN that's always there for you, especially when it comes to resolving technical issues. So, make sure it brings 24/7 live chat support.

Final Thoughts

Online censorship is high in Iraq, and intermittent Internet restrictions affect freedom of expression and access to information. Concerns also stem from vague legislation that might lead to penalties as a result of differing values if it’s passed. Using an Iraq VPN can enhance online privacy, security, and accessibility in response to these challenges.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Iraq because it offers a wide global server network that covers 60 countries, ensuring seamless access to local and international content. With robust security features, high-speed performance, and round-the-clock customer support, NordVPN is your reliable choice for online privacy and accessibility.

That’s all for our guide on the best VPNs for Iraq. If you have any inquiries, feel free to drop a comment. Thank you for reading!