Iran is one of many countries where the use of a VPN is illegal. Despite the benefits of VPNs for internet browsing, the government of this country is likely to punish citizens who are caught using a VPN.
Iranians use the VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and watch content that is banned in their country from anywhere in the world. They also take advantage of VPN encryption and strong security protocols to prevent tracking and hacking during chat, browsing, gaming, and online transactions.
Whether you are a citizen of Iran or a visitor in the country, you need a VPN to keep you safe from data theft, ISP throttling, and government tracking. However, it is hard to know the best VPN for Iran, but that should not be a problem.
In this article, you will find out the best VPN for Mac to enjoy secure browsing and digital privacy in Iran.
Why do I need a VPN in Iran?
The need for a VPN in Iran cannot be overemphasized, whether you have lived in the country your whole life or you have just visited. This is partly because the country has restricted a lot of websites and apps like Quora, Facebook, Youtube, Telegram, and so much more.
Imagine not being able to reach out to your friends and family in a different part of the world because of this ban. This is where a VPN becomes a useful tool for spoofing your location to wherever you desire.
Below are many other reasons why it is important to use a reputable VPN client in Iran.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: Since Iran has blocked access to communication, social media, and streaming due to religious and political reasons, citizens look for alternative means to circumvent this restriction.
By using a VPN, you can easily switch your location to a different country, and the website will assume that you are in that region at the moment.
- Protect online privacy: In addition to being geo-restricted, you should take precautions to ensure that your personal information does not end up in the wrong hands online.
Cookies are used by websites and browsers to store information about you, such as login information and browsing history. Third-party websites may sell these details, thereby exposing you to targeted advertising and tracking.
- Prevent ISP monitoring: By throttling their internet connection, internet service providers in Iran also stop users from using particular services and websites. This is done in order to respect the country’s regulations and censorship laws.
However, a VPN encrypts your data and passes it through a secure tunnel. This way, your ISP would not be able to monitor your activities online or track your browsing habits.
- Boost internet connection: A VPN may improve your internet connection, therefore reducing lag, especially during gaming. It is also important to note that connecting to a distant VPN server may worsen your network speed.
- Access work files remotely: Assuming you went on a tour or vacation to Iran, then your boss calls you to quickly go through a work file in another country, you may need a VPN to achieve this.
Not only will a VPN grant you access to your work files remotely, but it can also prevent cybercriminals and hackers from stealing sensitive information while you are working.
Best Mac VPN for Iran
1. NordVPN – advanced encryption technology
NordVPN is one of the best-performing mac VPNs in the market and a great choice for Iran. It offers users top security and privacy in their day-to-day activities online. It has over 5000 servers in 60 countries including regions close to Iran like UAE, Israel, and Turkey.
The VPN encodes users’ data using advanced 256-bit military encryption, making it difficult for hackers and ISP to track you. Alongside this encryption are protocols like IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN that add an extra layer of security to clients.
Furthermore, if you want a VPN that can bypass geo-block swiftly, then you can trust NordVPN to deliver. In a country like Iran that doesn’t fully support the use of VPNs, the obfuscated servers on NordVPN could prove very useful.
These servers hide the fact that you are using a VPN. Lastly, NordVPN offers a generous 30-day money-back policy.
Key features
- Automatic kill switch
- 6 simultaneous device connection
- Nordlynx protocol for fast speed
- Obfuscated servers
- Native app for Mac
2. ExpressVPN – super-fast and reliable
One of the most compatible VPNs for Mac that works well in Iran is ExpressVPN. It comes with a truckload of features to keep users safe from ISP and the government. The 256-bit military-grade encryption ensures that your information stays intact.
Its proprietary protocol, LightWay, makes the VPN an incredibly fast VPN and good for boosting internet connection. Gamers would actually appreciate this feature because it helps lessen game latency.
ExpressVPN has 3000 secure servers in 94 countries, enough to change from one location to another. One extra thing that makes this VPN stand out is how it bypasses geo-blocks swiftly.
The top of the icing is the number of devices this VPN supports, from consoles, Windows, Mac, and iOS, to smart TVs. What’s more? You get to connect to up to six devices at the same time.
Main features
- Automatic kill switch
- VPN split tunneling
- Threat manager
- No activity log
- 24-hour live chat support
3. Surfshark – unlimited simultaneous connections
Surfshark is a popular VPN service that offers several benefits for users in Iran. One of the main benefits of using this VPN is its ability to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites and services. This is particularly useful in Iran, where the government heavily regulates and censors the internet.
Another advantage of Surfshark is its strong security and privacy features. The VPN uses military-grade encryption to protect user data and keep it private. Additionally, Surfshark does not keep any logs of user activity, ensuring that users’ online activity remains completely anonymous. This is especially important in Iran, where internet surveillance is a serious concern.
Furthermore, Surfshark offers a wide range of server locations, including servers in countries that are not under heavy surveillance from the Iranian government, such as the United States and Canada. Surfshark is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. It also supports a wide range of protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Shadowsocks.
Lastly, Surfshark is also very affordable compared to other VPN services. It offers a 2-year subscription plan for as low as $2.49 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it one of the most cost-effective options for users in Iran looking for a reliable and secure VPN service.
Key features
- No-log policy
- Automatic kill switch
- Ad tracker blocking
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
4. Cyberghost – Beginner-friendly
CyberGhost provides quality privacy services for users in Iran. By connecting to a server outside of Iran for example, citizens of this country can bypass government censorship and access blocked websites and services.
The VPN also encrypts users’ internet traffic, preventing anyone from intercepting and monitoring their online activities. This includes the government, ISPs, and hackers.
CyberGhost can also help users protect their personal information and online identities by masking their IP addresses. Furthermore, this VPN allows users to access geo-restricted content such as streaming services, which may not be available in Iran.
When it comes to speed while surfing the internet, CyberGhost does considerably well. You can play your games, and stream movies or music without any fear of lagging. It has a rich collection of over 6000 servers, including dedicated streaming servers in 90 countries.
If you second-guess the delivery of this VPN, you can take advantage of the 45-day money guarantee it offers and the free trial. This gives you an opportunity to know if it meets your needs or not.
Main features
- Multiple platform support
- Split tunneling
- 24/7 customer service
- Easy-to-use interface
- No log policy
5. Private Internet Access(PIA) – huge number of servers worldwide
PIA (Private Internet Access) is considered one of the best VPNs for Iran for several reasons.
Firstly, PIA offers a large network of servers, including ones in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, which allow users in Iran to access blocked websites and online content.
PIA also uses strong encryption protocols to protect users’ online activity from being monitored by the Iranian government. This ensures that users’ online activities are kept private and secure.
The VPN has a variety of advanced security features, such as a kill switch, which prevents the user’s IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops.
Lastly, PIA offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to connect to the VPN and change their location.
Key features
- 30,000 servers in 77 countries
- AES 256-bit encryption
- OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec
- Automatic kill switch
- 24/7 customer support
How to bypass internet censorship in Iran using a Mac VPN
To bypass internet censorship in Iran using a VPN on a Mac, you can follow these steps:
- Download and install a VPN provider that is known to work well in Iran, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
- Open the VPN and connect to a server located outside of Iran.
This will mask your IP address and make it appear as though you are accessing the internet from another country.
- Once connected, you should be able to access blocked websites and services without any issues.
It is important to note that using a VPN in Iran may be illegal, and may result in severe penalties. And you should be careful when using a VPN, and make sure to use a reputable VPN provider and follow their instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN in Iran to access blocked websites?
Yes, using a VPN can help you access blocked websites in Iran. It encrypts your internet connection and redirects it through a server in another location, allowing you to bypass government censorship and access restricted websites.
However, the Iranian government is known to block VPNs, so you should use a reputable VPN service that regularly updates its servers to stay ahead of government blocks.
Are there any free VPNs that work in Iran?
Some free VPN services claim to work in Iran, however the effectiveness and reliability of these services may vary. Some users have reported that free VPNs are often slow and undependable in Iran, and may not be able to bypass government censorship.
Additionally, many free VPNs are not fully secure and may collect and sell users’ data. Despite all these, Tunnelbear, Windscribe and ProtonVPN are the top free VPNs that work well in Iran.
Is it safe to use a VPN in Iran?
It is generally considered to be risky to use a VPN in Iran because the government heavily monitors internet usage and has banned many VPN services. Additionally, using a VPN to circumvent government censorship or access blocked websites is illegal.
However, many people in Iran still use VPNs to access blocked content and communicate with the outside world. It is recommended to use a reputable VPN provider that has a history of working in Iran and has a clear no-logging policy to protect your privacy.
Is there any VPN that has servers in Iran?
Yes, there is. Cyberghost is a standard VPN with 26 server locations in Tehran, a city in Iran. Although there may be other VPN providers with servers in this country, they are hardly reliable.
It is important to know that you cannot bypass geo-restrictions and censorship within Iran by connecting to an Iranian server. This is because it will seem like you are still in the country, which means the government or ISP may intercept your traffic.
Also read: 5 Best VPN Browsers For Mac in 2023
