Iraqi citizens, those in the country for pleasure or business, or expatriates who currently call Iraq home, may need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service when browsing the internet.

VPNs have the advantage of keeping internet activity private, so you can browse undetected without worrying about data loss or prying eyes. This is particularly important if you plan on using open networks, public wifi or are concerned about your internet provider or government snooping on your online activity.

A VPN is also capable of unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites, allowing you to access your favorite content from anywhere in the world.

Similarly, Iraqi citizens living abroad can use a VPN to obtain an Iraqi IP address for accessing local content, logging in to their online bank accounts, and more. In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for Iraq as well as recommendations on how to maximize their value.

We get into a lot of details on each of the providers featured below, but if you only have time for a summary, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Iraq:

  • NordVPN Our #1 pick and the best VPN for Iraq. Has a large network of servers with fantastic security features. Unlimited speeds and no data limits included. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark A budget VPN for Iraq. Unlimited simultaneous connections can be shared on the same account. Fast, safe, and good value for money.
  • ExpressVPN Fast and reliable speeds are ideal for content streaming. Can be used on most devices and supports up to 5 simultaneous connections. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • HideMyAss One of the few VPNs with Iraq servers. Can provide an Iraq IP address and a strict no-logs policy will protect your privacy at all times.
  • PrivateVPN Excellent privacy and impressive security features including a network kill switch. No data limits so a good choice for streaming.

How to use a VPN in Iraq

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN, getting started is simple. Here’s how to use a VPN in Iraq:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Choose one of the providers on our list of the best VPNs for Iraq. We recommend NordVPN
  • Register for the service, select a subscription and add a payment method
  • Download the relevant VPN apps for your chosen devices
  • Log in to the service and connect to a server outside Iraq (or use HideMyAss for an Iraqi IP address)
  • Congratulations! Now your internet connection is encrypted and private and you will be able to access all the content you want

Best VPNs for Iraq

These are just some of the criteria we use when assessing the best VPNs for Iraq:

  • A large number of servers with worldwide coverage
  • Unblocks geo-restricted streaming services
  • Offers fast and reliable speeds
  • Uses stringent encryption parameters so your location remains obfuscated
  • Allows for multiple connections with one account
  • Provides helpful customer support

You can find more detailed information about our VPN testing criteria further in this article. 

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Works in IRAQTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best VPN for Iraq. It has an expansive network of more than 5,200 servers spread across 60 countries. Its registration in Panama means it doesn’t have to comply with data retention laws, boosting user privacy.

This provider is well-known for its customizability, including options for servers optimized for tasks such as streaming HD video, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and more.

NordVPN uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol to secure its traffic. This is the leading protocol available. Additional perks include an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. All of which are useful when considering the best VPNs for Iraq.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect simultaneously.

TOP CHOICE:NordVPN is the best VPN for Iraq. Has all the features required to keep your connection safe. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • A fantastic option for streaming and torrenting
  • Easily gets around regional blocks and censored content
  • Operates a network of more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries
  • No-logs policy
  • Connect 6 devices concurrently
  • 24/7 chat support

Cons:

  • The desktop app is a little clunky, could do with some modernizing

Read our review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Works in IRAQTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is an affordable VPN for Iraq that the entire family can share. It is one of the few VPN services that allow for unlimited simultaneous connections on the same subscription. Unlimited data is included and fast speeds are a guarantee. This makes Surfshark a great option for streaming.

You don’t have to worry about your privacy either. Best-in-class security is provided with 256-bit AES encryption, a network kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Surfshark has all of the premium features for an affordable price. Apps are available on IOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

BUDGET VPN FOR IRAQ:Surfshark has unlimited devices, bandwidth and speeds to share with the family. Unblocks streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited simultaneous devices

  • 256-bit AES encryption and great security tools

  • Works in Iraq and unblocks most major streaming services

  • Fantastic value for money

  • Not the best option for file sharing

Read our review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN delivers on privacy, speed, and customer service. It provides military-grade encryption, a network of servers across the globe, and round-the-clock online support.

World-class security is included as a standard. The service uses 256-bit AES encryption and additional security features include an internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.

There are user-friendly apps for Android and iOS, and similar versions for Windows and macOS. A single subscription allows for five simultaneous connections.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN provides speed, reliability, and efficiency. A subscription includes a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

  • Fast, reliable speeds – streaming HD content or downloading/uploading large files

  • Has no issues getting around censorship and geo-blocked content

  • Comprehensive security and privacy features

  • Great capabilities for unblocking geo-locked content

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Not as configurable as some power users would like

  • More expensive than some other services

Read our review of ExpressVPN.

4. HideMyAss!

Website: www.HideMyAss.com

HideMyAss operates over 1,070 servers in 210+ countries, so there’s a lot of options around the world. This service also includes two servers in Iraq, meaning you can get an Iraqi IP address if needed. HideMyAss is the only provider on this list that’s able to offer this option.

You can use this service for many purposes, including streaming or P2P file sharing. It’s fast, stable, secure, and has an impressive ability to unblock geo-restricted sites.

HideMyAss uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure all traffic. It also offers perfect forward secrecy, automatic wifi protection, and an internet kill switch in the desktop app.

One area of concern is that this provider does log connection data (including IP addresses) by default. However, you can disable this in the app. There’s also an IP address shuffle feature, which switches your IP address at regular intervals.

You can find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. A single connection allows for five devices to connect at the same time and there’s live chat support whenever you need it.

IP ADDRESS FROM IRAQ:HideMyAss is fast, secure, and offers servers in Iraq. It’s able to unblock several streaming services. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • A large number of countries covered

  • Decent speeds for streaming

  • 24/7 live chat

  • Some data-logging concerns

  • Slightly more expensive than some rivals

Read our full review of HideMyAss.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is ranked as one of the best VPNs for Iraq based on the fact that it delivers high-quality service with fast speeds. It also has an impressive ability to unblock geo-restricted content. The server network is relatively small compared to others, with around 200 servers in 63 countries.

PrivateVPN gives you the option to select either 128- or 256-bit encryption and bundles perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection in all packages. That means your digital footprint is well covered.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. A basic plan allows for six devices to connect simultaneously.

STREAMING VPN:PrivateVPN unblocks several streaming sites and offers fast speeds. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast speeds

  • Unlimited bandwidth, high speeds, and P2P allowance also mean it’s suitable for torrenting

  • Gaining a reputation for unblocking popular streaming sites

  • Live chat is not around the clock

  • A small but growing network of servers

Read our review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we find the best Iraq VPNs

We use stringent assessment criteria during our review process. Here are some of the main things we look for in the best Iraq VPNs:

  • Worldwide server coverage – If you’re in Iraq and want to unblock content, you will need a large selection of reliable servers. We look at the number of server locations and test for specialty servers designed for streaming or file sharing.
  • Safety and security – When rating VPNs we score each service for its ability to protect user data and privacy. Some of the things we look for include; strong encryption, a network kill switch, no-logs policies, and DNS leak protection.
  • Devices – We test device compatibility to ensure that you can use your VPN on the go. Each provider should work with popular devices and operating systems like Android, IOS, Windows, and macOS.
  • Value for money – A VPN should be reasonably priced and pose great value for money. We also look for a money-back guarantee and other value-adding features.

Find out more about our VPN testing methodology.

Free VPNs often monetize users via advertisements, pop-ups, and other money-making methods. Others will use cookies to track user data and behavior. A prime example of this is HolaVPN, a free VPN service that has been known to sell user information to third parties.

You should also be aware that free VPNs typically come with poor encryption standards, an extremely limited choice of servers, limited bandwidth, and data caps. Customer support is usually non-existent.

If you’re looking for a VPN to help you browse safely and securely, or to unblock geo-restricted streaming sites, a free VPN will not suffice. A paid VPN gives you peace of mind and only sets you back a few dollars each month.

See also: How to get an Iraqi IP address

DISCLAIMER: Comparitech does not encourage using a VPN to stream or download content illegally. Please consult local laws beforehand if you’re not sure of the ramifications and refer to a local lawyer for expert advice.