5 Best VPNs for Iraq in 2023

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 top 5 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, answer some FAQs, and much more.

Best Iraq VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best Iraq VPN in 2023
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Iraq with Industry-Leading Security
3. CyberGhost – VPN with Specialized Servers for Entertainment
4. Private Internet Access – Customizable VPN for Advanced Users
5. Surfshark – Fast VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

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 ExpressVPN).
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 of your choice where you want to access content.
5. You're all set! Now, your VPN is active for private and seamless browsing in Iraq.

The Best VPNs for Iraq in 2023

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, so you can access both local and international content, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

Look for a VPN provider that offers 24/7 customer support and a money-back guarantee for user satisfaction. Additionally, confirm that it includes advanced security measures like obfuscation, a kill switch, strong encryption, robust VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy.

High speeds and consistent performance are also crucial factors to consider. Furthermore, seek a provider that supports multiple simultaneous connections on various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, routers, and more. 

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

1. ExpressVPN –   Our #1-Rated Best Iraq VPN in 2023

ExpressVPN is the best Iraq VPN, boasting a vast network with 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, including servers in countries near Iraq like Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. This grants you 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 robust 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch to fortify your data protection, along with an audited no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. Moreover, it supports various protocols, including OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol (built on wolfSSL).

ExpressVPN delivers exceptional, reliable performance and impressively high speeds. Plus, it is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. You can easily protect all your home’s tech because it accommodates up to 8 simultaneous connections.

This VPN comes with a dedicated support team available 24/7 via live chat. Moreover, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can request a refund if ExpressVPN doesn't meet your expectations. But we don’t think you’ll need that—you’re not going to find a better option!

2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Iraq with Industry-Leading Security

NordVPN offers a substantial network comprising over 5,700 servers across 60 countries, effectively circumventing geo-restrictions in Iraq. While it lacks servers within the country, it covers neighboring regions like Turkey and Israel, enabling access to both local and global content like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

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

NordVPN supports various devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, routers, and more—all while allowing up to 6 simultaneous connections. Though not as fast as ExpressVPN, this Iraqi VPN maintains medium-fast speeds and consistent performance.

Whether you need assistance from their proficient team or wish to request a refund and cancel your VPN plan, NordVPN provides round-the-clock customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

3. CyberGhost – VPN with Specialized Servers for Entertainment

CyberGhost boasts a vast network of over 9,100 servers spanning 90 countries. While it doesn't have servers within Iraq, it offers servers strategically positioned in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt, enabling access to international and local content, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

It doesn’t reach the peak speeds that its competitors do, but CyberGhost delivers satisfactory overall performance. It offers compatibility with a wide range of devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles. Supporting up to 7 simultaneous connections, it ensures a satisfying experience on all your devices.

Although lacking obfuscation, CyberGhost has internally owned NoSpy servers to safeguard your data against breaches. 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.

CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support for prompt assistance. Additionally, it provides a 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans, offering a full refund if it fails to meet your expectations.

4. Private Internet Access – Customizable VPN for Advanced Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is famous for its massive server fleet spanning thousands across 84 countries, including several servers in Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. This means you can bypass geo-restrictions and access both global and local content, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay.

PIA offers AES 256-bit and AES 128-bit encryption, along with security protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard), a verified no-logs policy, and a kill switch to enhance data privacy. Furthermore, it utilizes obfuscation techniques to hide your VPN usage, enhancing your online security and privacy.

It is the slowest provider on our list, but PIA still delivers average speeds and stable performance. Setting up this Iraqi VPN on all types of devices, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers, allows for adaptability in your tech ecosystem. Furthermore, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections.

So you can always rest assured, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, enabling you to test it risk-free. In case of questions or concerns, PIA's 24/7 live chat support is readily available for assistance.

5. Surfshark – Fast VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark operates a wide network with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, allowing you to unblock websites and services within and outside of Iraq, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shahid, and StarzPlay. Although it lacks servers in the country, coverage in neighboring countries like Israel, Turkey, and Egypt provides a seamless experience.

This VPN comes with robust 256-bit encryption and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols. With an audited no-logs policy, obfuscated servers, and a reliable kill switch, Surfshark excels in overcoming strict online censorship while enhancing your security and privacy.

A standout feature is Surfshark’s ability to connect an unlimited number of devices. This flexibility ensures seamless connectivity across various devices, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers. It demonstrates impressive speeds, second only to ExpressVPN, ensuring consistent and stable performance.

Surfshark promises access to its 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing expert assistance and potential refunds if expectations are not met.

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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Shop Securely Online – Online shopping involves sharing sensitive personal and financial information. A VPN safeguards your data from potential threats while making online purchases.
• 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.
• 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.

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 a VPN can enhance online privacy, security, and accessibility in response to these challenges.

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

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