Is Internet censored in Azerbaijan? If you’re planning on traveling to Azerbaijan, you should know that the country has strict laws related to internet usage. In fact, internet freedom in Azerbaijan is a far cry as the government limits specific content related to political, social, and religious norms.
Online content, mainly news websites, and online streaming platforms is usually blocked. Moreover, whenever you move outside Azerbaijan, the local TV channels, web services, news platforms, and banking apps become inaccessible due to geo-restrictions.
To overcome these restrictions, you need the best VPN for Azerbaijan to stay anonymous and secure while using the internet and accessing geo-blocked content. A VPN encrypts your online data and hides your identity by rerouting your internet traffic through encrypted tunnels. However, finding an ideal VPN with a vast worldwide network and adequate security features is tricky.
To make choosing the best VPN Azerbaijan combination easier, we tested 160+ VPN apps and shortlisted the 4 most reliable VPNs Azerbaijan citizens can use. ExpressVPN is our top-recommended VPN service among the lot.
Let’s head over to a quick overview of our top picks.
Quick Overview – Best VPNs for Azerbaijan
See the quick overview of the best VPN for Azerbaijan in 2023 below:
- ExpressVPN: The best VPN for Azerbaijan. It provides 3000+ servers loaded with fast speed, reliable connection, and advanced security encryption features to keep you safe online. Also compatible with a large number of devices.
- Surfshark: The best budget-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan. It provides over 3200 servers in very affordable price plans that include futuristic cutting-edge encryption protocols and unlimited simultaneous connections.
- NordVPN: The best secure VPN for Azerbaijan. Offers a large server count of 6000+ servers. Known for its most advanced and industry-leading encryption protocols and robust security features.
- CyberGhost: The best user-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan. Along with the largest server network, it offers multiple platforms and device compatibility with client apps loaded with security features. Also provides a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Refer to Best VPN for Azerbaijan – Detailed Analysis | FAQs
Comparison Table: Best VPN For Azerbaijan
Before moving on further in this guide, here is a side-by-side comparison of VPNs for Azerbaijan :
VPNs | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Worldwide Servers | 3000+ servers in 105 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | 6000+ servers in 61 countries | 2200+ servers in 75+ countries |
Nearest servers | Armenia, Georgia, Turkey | 1 server location in Azerbaijan | Georgia, Turkey | Turkey |
Avg. Speed | 89.42 Mbps | 81.32 Mbps | 83.82 Mbps | |
Multi-Logins | 5 | Unlimited | 6 | Unlimited |
Unblocks | HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | HBO Max, Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers |
Best For | Overall Best VPN Azerbaijan | Budget-friendly VPN Azerbaijan | Largest Sever Network Azerbaijan VPN | Fast-speed VPN |
Pricing | $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend | $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free |
Best VPN for Azerbaijan [In-Depth Analysis 2023]
Let’s go through an in-depth analysis of the best VPNs for Azerbaijan :
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Azerbaijan
Key Features:
- Number of Servers: 3000+ servers in 105 countries
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- Threat Manager
- Mediastreamer feature
- Device Compatibility: Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, Android
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Azerbaijan in terms of speed, security, and privacy. This industry-leading VPN has been in the business for 10 years and is ranked at the top of the best VPN services. It offers fast speed and unlimited bandwidth that is ideal for online streaming, torrenting, and accessing restricted websites in Azerbaijan.
It provides a massive network of 3000+ servers in 105 countries through which you can access numerous streaming, online gaming, and web browsing options. Even though it doesn’t offer any servers in Azerbaijan, it gives you a facility to connect to its neighboring countries to access your Azerbaijan content.
It’s a great option to bypass censorship in Azerbaijan and access entertainment content. ExpressVPN can successfully unblock international TV channels and streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer in Azerbaijan.
ExpressVPN is also a good option for bypassing ISP throttling which results in fast connections. As per the ExpressVPN speed test, you can get a lightning-fast downloading speed of 89.62 Mbps and an uploading speed of 84.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. It’s among the fastest VPNs Azerbaijan citizens can use for their online activities.
Moreover, it implements a no-logging policy and doesn’t store user data. User-friendly apps for all major platforms are provided with top-notch privacy features, such as OpenVPN protocol, server obfuscation, and kill-switch. Its Lightway protocol ensures that you get the fastest and most securest browsing experience in Azerbaijan.
You can download ExpressVPN apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The provider also offers easy-to-install router configurations with ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN costs $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free and offers a 30-day money-back assurance. Moreover, customer support is provided 24/7 to answer your queries.
For more details and technical aspects, read our ExpressVPN review.
- Fast speeds, and unlimited bandwidth
- Robust security and versatile features
- Industry-leading privacy features
- Anonymous payments through Bitcoin
- Azerbaijan VPN free trial available
- Expensive subscription plans
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan
Key Features:
- Number of Servers: 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including one server location in Azerbaijan
- 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- Camouflage Mode
- SmartDNS
Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan , which subscribers and Reddit users praise due to its economic plans starting from $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.
This VPN offers extremely affordable subscription plans and offers a versatile feature set. The provider hosts 3200+ servers in 100 countries and you can quickly get an Azerbaijan IP address by connecting to its Azerbaijani server.
Given its extensive global network, Surfshark is a powerful VPN for accessing censored websites without being detected by your local ISP or Azerbaijan government.
Not just that, it also offers a generous policy of unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it an affordable option for streaming favorite TV shows on geo-restricted platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max in Azerbaijan.
The Surfshark speed test offered great results and exceeded our expectations with an impressive downloading speed of 81.32 Mbps and an uploading speed of 76.12 Mbps.
It’s a secure VPN with clear logging policies and offers top-notch security features for online privacy in Azerbaijan, such as Kill Switch and Server Obfuscation. It uses 256-bit encryption methods to ensure the complete anonymity of people connected to Azerbaijan cyberspace.
Surfshark comes with a user-friendly interface and provides apps for all major platforms like Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. This means you can use Surfshark on a number of devices, including Smart TVs, mobile phones, PCs, laptops, and even routers.
You can get its subscription for only $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee including a risk-free 30-day refund offer and a 7-day free trial of Surfshark. You can also use it to access different content libraries of Netflix globally.
Check out our detailed Surfshark review to know more about this VPN.
- Multi-purpose VPN with fast-speed servers
- Robust security and privacy features
- Unlimited devices log-in
- One server location in Azerbaijan
- Occasionally servers work slower
3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for Azerbaijan
Key Features:
- Number of Servers: 6000+ servers in 61 countries
- 83.82 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
- AES 256-bit encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Camouflage Mode
- SmartDNS
NordVPN is the best secure VPN for Azerbaijan due to its top-notch security and enhanced privacy. In fact, it’s based in Panama, which is a favorable region in terms of privacy. The provider offers a massive network of 6000+ high-speed servers in 61 countries. The only downside is that it doesn’t have any servers in Azerbaijan. However, it still compensates for this lack by providing users access to a number of servers located in Azerbaijan’s neighboring countries.
Due to its thousands of servers, you’ll get fast speed for streaming content in HD quality. It can unblock popular geo-blocked platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and many others in Azerbaijan.
The NordVPN speed test shows it can reach a fast downloading speed of 83.82 Mbps and an uploading speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
In terms of compatibility, NordVPN offers apps for all major platforms. It offers strong OpenVPN encryption, making it one of the best VPNs for Linux and Windows. Other notable security features include NordVPN Kill Switch, DNS Leak Protection, and server Obfuscation.
It maintains a no-logs policy and is considered one of the best secure VPNs with features like AES-256-Bit Protocol, NordLynx, and IKEv2 Protocol that help bypass Azerbaijan censorship.
NordVPN comes at a low price compared to the quality of its features. You can subscribe to its long-term plan for $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial of NordVPN. A single subscription can be used on 6 devices simultaneously, which you can use on different devices to secure access to Azerbaijan-blocked websites.
Read our in-depth NordVPN review for more details.
- One of the most secure VPNs available
- Unblocking compatibility with most streaming platforms
- Outstanding security features and encryption protocols
- A strict No-logs policy
- Desktop apps are slower than other
4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan
Key Features:
- Number of Devices: 7 simultaneous connections
- Number of Servers: 11651+ servers in 100 countries
- AES 256-encryption
- 75.47 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection
- 45-day Money back guarantee
- Smart DNS
CyberGhost is the best user-friendly VPN for Azerbaijan that comes with a simple and clean user interface with an option of one-click protection. Moreover, it also offers a handy server search bar for convenient selection.
This VPN hosts 11651+ servers in 100 countries, and if looking for a best VPN for international travel, Cyberghost is an excellent choice, as it covers the most number of locations. Unfortunately, you may not find any servers in Azerbaijan, but you can connect to its server in Turkey to access your local content.
The provider offers 24/7 technical assistance to help resolve the queries of customers. CyberGhost also hosts specific streaming-optimized servers for popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.
Its servers are also speed-optimized, and when we conducted the CyberGhost speed test, it managed to hit an impressive downloading speed of 75.47 Mbps and an uploading speed of 69.34 Mbps.
It supports a wide range of encryption protocols, including AES 256-bit Encryption, IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN, which make it ideal to avoid surveillance of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Countries. Moreover, an Automatic Kill Switch is also incorporated in CyberGhost apps, ensuring no IP & DNS leak if the VPN connection drops. CyberGhost offers dedicated gaming servers for online gamers and is also the best for torrenting.
With every subscription, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on all major platforms like Android Devices, Macbooks, Windows PCs, etc. You can also use CyberGhost on Firestick, Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and Roku to stream content onto the big screen in Azerbaijan.
If we talk about price, CyberGhost has an expensive one-month subscription plan, however, you can save big with CyberGhost’s cost-effective long-term plan which costs $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free. A unique 45-day money-back guarantee is also offered. Read our CyberGhost review for more details.
- Fast-speed servers around the world
- Easy-to-use set-up and configuration
- Compatible apps for different devices
- Reliable security protocols to use in Azerbaijan
- Does not offer more customization in advanced features
Why VPN is required in Azerbaijan?
A VPN is required in Azerbaijan because the government often blocks websites it disagrees with, including news outlets, social media platforms, and various other services. By using a VPN, you can effectively bypass these censorship blocks and gain access to the open and unrestricted internet.
You need a VPN for Azerbaijan because its government censors content and information that highlights its negative side. Moreover, the country has been notoriously known to run surveillance on internet users and run disinformation campaigns, DDoS attacks, and hacking. Here are the main reasons why a VPN is necessary for internet users in Azerbaijan:
- Conflict with religious and moral standards
Azerbaijan’s government takes serious legal action against people who are in conflict with the country’s religious and moral standards. In the past, several people were detained and sentenced for spreading religious and social hatred. To avoid censorship and express your views freely, a VPN is required in Azerbaijan. However, we don’t condone spreading any religious disinformation and hatred, and you should always go through Azerbaijan’s legislation.
- Promote dissenting political opinions
Although the Azerbaijan government doesn’t restrict social media platforms the surveillance is done nevertheless. It restricts access to information and websites, especially those related to politically sensitive issues. The government has also blocked several Iranian and Russian websites spreading political propaganda against Azerbaijan.
- Exposure to government corruption
The Azerbaijan government is also known to rebuff dissenting voices exposing the corruption of state institutes and politicians. Journalists and internet users may face retribution for publishing or sharing information on the alleged corruption of government officials and politicians, even if it has already been made public. The government blocked several news websites for publishing corruption cases of government officials. These websites include Az24saat.org, rqument.az, Xural.com, Monitortv.info.
A reliable VPN can come in handy with the majority of these restrictions. You can access a long list of restricted websites and other online content by using a VPN. Moreover, a VPN will also make you anonymous while using the internet by encrypting your online data, making sure that your information and online activity aren’t accessible and readable by snoopers and government law enforcement agencies.
Other than that, you can also use a VPN to access geo-restricted streaming services and entertainment content. Moreover, if you are trying to access your local news channels and web services while abroad, you can connect to a VPN server in Azerbaijan and access whatever you want.
Factors to Consider While Choosing The Best VPN For Azerbaijan
In order to find the right and best VPN services in Azerbaijan, it is required that a rigorous method is required to test and evaluate VPN features accordingly. Many factors play their part in creating the best Azerbaijan VPN.
See the features and factors listed below that we carefully assessed before recommending the top VPN providers Azerbaijan citizens can use:
- Number of Servers and their location: A VPN should offer a large server count spread worldwide in different regions and countries. Having an extensive spread server network will unblock the possibility of accessing all types of streaming platforms and content.
- Encryption capabilities: Advanced and complex security encryption features to protect users’ data and online activity should be VPNs’ first priority. Military-grade encryption methods like split-tunneling, AES 256-bit, and OpenVPN should be present.
- A No-Log policy: The no-Logs policy is also a crucial feature that will protect the users’ data and prevent any IP leaks if the VPN disconnects due to any problem. So a VPN should provide its customers with online freedom with this feature.
- Connection speed: Fast servers will allow fast internet speed and any video streaming will be lag-free. A VPN should not throttle the bandwidth to make the service high-end and good quality.
- Device compatibility: We see if the VPN provider has high compatibility with mainstream streaming devices like Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and others. As it gives the user freedom to connect with their VPN anywhere they want.
- Price: A VPN should be affordable and must offer user-friendly pricing plans and packages. Also, the pricing should be according to the services and features the VPN is providing and shouldn’t be overpriced. We recommend such VPNs that offer discounts and are quite reasonable for your pocket.
- Reputation: VPNs’ reputation and reviews are also crucial factors that significantly impact it as the best VPN for Azerbaijan . We only recommend such VPNs that are highly recommended by experts and have high customer ratings.
A Quick Guide To Set Up A VPN for Azerbaijan in 2023
Here’s a quick guide to setting up a VPN for Azerbaijan in 2023:
- Subscribe to one of our recommended VPNs. ExpressVPN is our top choice.
- Go to the official website of the VPN provider and download the appropriate app for your device.
- Install the VPN client app on your device.
- Launch the VPN app, and sign in with your username and password.
- Select a server from the list of available countries and hit the Connect button.
- Start using the internet with complete freedom in Azerbaijan.
If you’re facing issues with your VPN in Azerbaijan, we suggest referring to our comprehensive troubleshooting guide specifically tailored to address “VPN not working in Azerbaijan” issues.
Free VPNs for Azerbaijan in 2023
Choosing an Azerbaijan VPN free might not be the best choice and is also not recommended by the experts. Free VPNs are not very reliable and trustworthy and it is also unlikely for these VPNs to bypass government online censorship like in Azerbaijan or China. Other than that a free VPN does not provide even any guarantee to bypass the government’s blocking. Even if it works for once, it might not be the case in the future as censorship constantly keeps changing. So, you will require a premium VPN service.
Azerbaijan VPN free works at a very sluggish kind of speed as the servers are continuously overloaded with users. Therefore, it does not provide a quick and good streaming experience. The encryption features are also very poor and do not provide any privacy to its users whatsoever.
If you still want to use a free VPN there are a few better options that you can use:
Other VPN Guides
Here are the best VPN guides for different countrie:
- Best VPN for Turkmenistan
- Best VPN for Malaysia
- Best VPN for Oman
- Best VPN for Armenia
- Best VPN for Costa Rica
- Best VPN for Egypt
- Best VPN for Russia
- Best VPN for Lebanon
- Best VPN for Bahrain
- Best VPN for Hong Kong
- Best VPN for Panama
- Best VPN for Kuwait
FAQs – Best VPN for Azerbaijan in 2023
Which VPN works in Azerbaijan?
ExpressVPN comes at the top of the list when it comes to bypassing the geo-restriction in Azerbaijan. In our testing, it shows the fastest downloading and uploading speeds. It also offers top-notch military-grade encryption features that make sure to keep all the users’ data safe and secure.
Does NordVPN work in Azerbaijan?
Yes, NordVPN does work in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani citizens also have access to other secure VPN options like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish. However, we recommend ExpressVPN due to its combination of lightning-fast speed, strong encryption, and strict no-logs policy.
Can I use a VPN for torrenting in Azerbaijan?
Can a VPN bypass government censorship in Azerbaijan?
Yes, a VPN can help in bypassing government censorship in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan government frequently blocks websites they think conflict with their ideas. So they censor social media platforms, streaming platforms, news outlets, and other sorts of services. A VPN will help with these censorship blocks and you can use the internet freely.
Is VPN allowed in Azerbaijan?
Yes, VPNs are allowed in Azerbaijan. The use of these services is perfectly legal, providing Azerbaijanis with greater internet freedom. There are no laws that prohibit the use of Virtual Private Network services in the country.
Conclusion
If you are serious about your online privacy and want to evade the censorship and surveillance of the Azerbaijan government, you need the best VPN for Azerbaijan. For a quick reminder, Azerbaijan is not an ideal place for netizens as they have to face a lot of restrictions on online information and entertainment content.
By using a reliable VPN, you can keep your online presence secure, and get instant access to blocked online content without getting detected. Azerbaijan citizens can use the most secure VPNs, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish. However, due to its lightning-fast speed, robust encryption, and stringent no-logs policy, we recommend ExpressVPN.