WhatsApp and other social media platforms have been blocked in Turkey on several occasions, forcing internet service providers (ISPs) to implement the restrictions on behalf of the government. This is disappointing to anyone living in or visiting the country who wants to use the app to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues. Luckily, there is a way to bypass the block and use WhatsApp in Turkey as if you were outside the country: use a WhatsApp VPN.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location (that you choose). This means that your ISP and any other snoopers can’t read the contents of your traffic or see where it’s going, enabling you access to otherwise blocked sites. Some VPNs are blocked by the Turkish government, but others still work reliably.

We’ll discuss these in more detail below, but here’s a quick rundown of our favorite VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey.

Best WhatsApp VPN for Turkey

  • NordVPN: Our first choice for use with WhatsApp in Turkey. Top-notch security features and exceptional unblocking ability. Also includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: This low-cost provider helps you easily access blocked apps and protect all of your devices simultaneously. Boasts fast, reliable connections.
  • ExpressVPN: An extremely fast, reliable, and secure VPN with servers in 94 countries including Turkey
  • CyberGhost: Quick, easy-to-use, and fantastic for anyone looking to access WhatsApp in Turkey. Offers free 24/7 support over live chat.
  • PrivateVPN: A small network of servers doesn’t hold this provider back from offering fast speeds and great unblocking abilities.
  • VyprVPN: A no-logs VPN that can bypass all but the strictest online censorship. Allows you to use WhatsApp, Facebook, and more abroad.

The best VPNs for WhatsApp  in Turkey – At a glance

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

There’s a huge selection of VPNs to choose from, but not all work in Turkey to unblock WhatsApp. Those that do aren’t all cut from the same cloth, and differ on factors such as speed and security. We chose our best VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey based on the following criteria:

  • Works reliably in Turkey and unblocks WhatsApp
  • Operates a global network of servers
  • Boasts fast speeds
  • Doesn’t maintain logs
  • Utilizes strong security
  • Offers excellent customer support

Best VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks WhatsappTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Another attractive aspect of this VPN is its suite of security features. Aside from effectively uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch (in all apps except Android), you get automatic wifi protection, a dark web monitor, and the ability to remotely connect to other devices (such as a PC back home). Best of all, NordVPN has a twice-verified no-logs policy. Live chat-based support is always available to help.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android, and you’re allowed up to six simultaneous connections under each plan.

BEST VPN FOR WHATSAPP IN TURKEY:NordVPN is our first choice for users looking to chat securely while in Turkey. It keeps no logs and protects your data with lots of security features. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Expansive global server network
  • Great at unblocking
  • Strong security features
  • No-logs provider

Cons:

  • Some servers are on the slow side

Our score:

See the full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks WhatsappTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is the best budget option for using WhatsApp in Turkey. This provider has recently expanded its network and now offers access to 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Not only that, it’s one of the fastest VPN’s we’ve tested and includes an toggleable NoBorders mode that can help users access WhatsApp and other blocked apps while in Turkey. There is no limit on the number of devices you can connect.

Security features include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch in all apps, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Extras include split tunneling, malware protection, and a feature that changes your IP address at fixed intervals. This VPN keeps no logs whatsover and provides 24/7 support.

Apps are available for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top low-cost option. Great for browsing and video-calling anonymously in Turkey. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unblocks most websites and apps

  • Provides fast, secure connections

  • No device limit

  • Doesn’t keep logs

  • Some features require an additional monthly payment

See the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This provider uses 256-bit encryption in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Additionally, a kill switch is built into the desktop apps. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally-identifiable info and recently added a threat manager that can stop your apps from sending data to known trackers. Support is available around the clock should you need any help.

Native apps are provided for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. What’s more, this VPN has its own router firmware, making it easy to protect a whole network.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a great pick for WhatsApp in Turkey. This VPN is fast, secure, and versatile, plus it comes with excellent customer support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works reliably across the globe

  • Unblocks WhatsApp and other platforms

  • Offers extremely fast speeds

  • Provides secure and private connections

  • Price is a bit higher than that of rivals

Check out the full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost certainly has plenty to offer privacy-conscious travelers. First off, it boasts a huge network, with almost 9,000 servers in 91 countries. Some of these are even designed for specific tasks like streaming, browsing anonymously, or torrenting. Additionally, this VPN has first-class speeds, averaging over 500 Mbps in our latest tests. A maximum of seven devices can be secured simultaneously.

Users can take advantage of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, plus automatic ad-blocking. You can also connect via a random port, which might help you evade particularly strict VPN-blocking systems. CyberGhost doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you. Having problems? Just get in touch using the free 24/7 live chat service.

CyberGhost apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is a novice-friendly service with truly impressive speed, security, and unblocking ability. Great for regaining access to services like WhatsApp while in Turkey. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • No issues accessing WhatsApp in Turkey

  • Testing revealed impressive server speeds

  • Tells you which servers are good for a particular task

  • Solid privacy and security features enabled by default

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a much smaller network (200 servers in 63 countries) than the other providers on this list, but it still manages to keep up from a performance standpoint. This service works reliably, even in countries where VPN blocks are imposed, including Turkey and China. It will assist you in unblocking WhatsApp and other apps, and can help you access streaming and gaming sites too. If it doesn’t work out of the box, you can use the “Stealth VPN” feature, which is designed to online censorship. Up to 10 devices can be protected at the same time.

This service doesn’t disappoint on the privacy and security front. It’s actually its own ISP and hosting provider, meaning there’s almost no chance of outside interference. Further, the apps include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. If you’re having trouble accessing your usual services, just activate the Stealth mode. PrivateVPN keeps no logs whatsoever. Live chat support is available at most times of the day.

Subscribers can download PrivateVPN apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

PRIVATE NETWORK:PrivateVPN is focused on user security and privacy, and delivering fast, reliable connections. It offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Strong unblocking abilities

  • Fast speeds

  • Secure and private

  • Small server network

  • Live chat isn’t always available

Read the full review of PrivateVPN.

6. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN offers around 700 servers in 70+ locations. Whether you’re looking to chat on WhatsApp, stream Netflix, or beat country-wide blocking, it’s a solid choice. What’s more, this service is fast enough for anything you throw at it. With a 30-connection limit and the ability to access the wider internet in places like Turkey and China, users are free to browse securely no matter where they go.

This VPN keeps your online activities private using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. You can also configure it to connect automatically when you use a public wifi network. VyprVPN has its own protocol designed to beat oppressive online censorship and refuses to log any data that could lead back to you. Customer support is on-hand 24/7 via live chat.

VyprVPN offers its own Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS apps.

SPEAK FREELY ANYWHERE:VyprVPN has no issues beating strict online restrictions and works with most services we’ve tested. Also offers top-tier speeds, a strong security toolkit, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Provides steady, reliable speeds

  • Great set of security tools

  • Great for beating online censorship

  • Only has one server in Turkey

Read our complete VyprVPN review.

How to access WhatsApp in Turkey

Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, getting set up is simple. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be making WhatsApp calls from Turkey in no time.

Here’s how to access WhatsApp in Turkey with a VPN:

  • Choose a VPN provider and pay for your subscription. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Locate the app for your device on the provider’s website or in the relevant app store then download and install.
  • Log in to the app and connect to a server outside of Turkey.
  • Now launch WhatsApp and you should be able to use the service as normal.

If you run into issues, consult your VPN knowledge base or customer support team for help with troubleshooting. It may be that you need to connect to a different server or change the VPN settings.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey

When you’re traveling in a country with severe online restrictions like Turkey, it’s vital you have a VPN you can trust. Not only that, it has to be able to handle any day-to-day task without breaking a sweat. With this in mind, we created a short list of requirements that our top VPNs had to meet:

  • Security and privacy: Turkey’s widespread online censorship and surveillance mean anonymity must be our top priority. That’s why the VPNs we recommend must include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy at a bare minimum. Any other tools that help protect your privacy (such as stealth modes or tracker-blockers) are greatly appreciated.
  • Unblocking ability: First off, your VPN has to be able to beat the Turkish government’s restrictions. Further, we looked for VPNs that worked with geo-blocked platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video. After all, if you can access these abroad, you can likely access most other services too.
  • Speed: Slow speeds lead to dropped calls, low-quality audio, and stuttering video. As such, we decided to only recommend services that performed well during our most recent VPN speed tests.
  • Server choice: Your VPN must have servers in locations with no online censorship. However, we also looked for those with Turkish servers since these will allow locals to continue using Turkey-only platforms while traveling.
  • User-friendliness: The simpler your VPN is to use, the more likely you are to actually rely on it. Ideally, there’d be no connection limit, task-specific servers, and streamlined apps, as well as free 24/7 live chat.

This is far from the only testing we do. To learn more, check out our full VPN testing methodology post.

Even if you do manage to find a free VPN that works in Turkey, there are other issues you’ll have to deal with. Their connections tend to be painfully slow and subject to dropping at any time. You’ll also have low data caps and bandwidth limits, so VoIP calling is probably a no-go.

Aside from violating your privacy, many free VPNs dupe you in other ways. While they claim to secure your VPN traffic, some use weak encryption while others don’t actually encrypt your traffic at all. And if you’re looking for features like a kill switch and leak protection, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

For a seamless experience, you’re best off paying a small monthly fee for a full-featured VPN.

Of course, because the Turkish government realized that people were using VPNs to bypass blocked apps, they started to target VPN providers, too. As such, many services no longer work in the country.

  • Material criticial of the government
  • Pro-atheist or anti-Islamic content
  • Pornography
  • File-sharing
  • Information on VPNs, privacy, and beating censorship
  • Left-wing journalism
  • Free exchange of information