Best VPN AzerbaijanAzerbaijan’s government has a vice grip on the country’s internet. This means that it controls the content you read, which allows it to shape your opinions. This alone would be reason enough to employ a VPN (since these allow you to bypass country-wide censorship). However, that’s not the only benefit that these services have; they also encrypt your traffic, making it unreadable.

VPNs work by encrypting your data and routing it through a secondary server. This helps prevent any snoopers from seeing what you get up to online, while allowing you to side-step any content restrictions that your country might have. As an added bonus, this same technology means you can access geo-restricted services that usually aren’t available in Azerbaijan, which is great for travelers.

We’ll review our recommended VPNs more thoroughly later, but if you’re in a rush, you’ll find a brief overview of each below.

Best VPNs for Azerbaijan:

  1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN for Azerbaijan. Offers high speeds, top-notch security and privacy features, and great unblocking capabilities. Also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
  2. NordVPN: The best low-cost VPN for Azerbaijan. Prioritizes your security without compromising on speed or versatility. Also boasts no-logs policy and exceptional unblocking ability.
  3. Surfshark: A quick and reliable VPN with no connection or bandwidth limits. Strong on privacy and security. Also includes a feature designed to help you bypass internet censorship.
  4. CyberGhost: A great VPN for new users. Boasts thousands of speedy servers. All security and privacy features enabled by default. Additionally, it works with lots of geo-restricted services.
  5. IPVanish: This VPN is fast, privacy-conscious, and packed with security features. It also allows any number of connections and provides decent unblocking ability.
  6. PrivateVPN: With high-speed servers, unlimited bandwidth, and a stealth mode for getting around online censorship, PrivateVPN is perfect for anyone traveling in Azerbaijan.
  7. Hotspot Shield: A fast, reliable, and versatile VPN that has no problems unblocking geo-restricted services from abroad. Further, it comes packed with security features.

Given the difficult digital landscape in this location, it’s vital that you choose the right VPN. However, we didn’t want to recommend services that only worked in this specific situation. Below, you’ll find a list of the criteria we used to make sure you get a versatile VPN that works well both inside and outside of Azerbaijan:

  • Offers access to a wide server network
  • Fast enough for data-intensive activities like video calling
  • Bypasses country-wide restrictions with ease
  • Uses powerful security features (including encryption) to keep your traffic hidden
  • Does not store any data that can be traced back to you
  • Comes with apps for all major operating systems

Best VPN for Azerbaijan

Take a look below for in-depth reviews of the best VPNs for Azerbaijan:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Mar 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN users can choose from more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries (Azerbaijan included), which means you can count on a speedy connection even at peak times. There’s unlimited bandwidth too, so you’re free to use this service as much as you like. It’s particularly good at getting around online content restrictions, and even manages to unblock platforms like Netflix from abroad.

This service gives you all the tools required to browse safely in Azerbaijan or anywhere else. There’s a kill switch, for instance, as well as protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. Crucially, ExpressVPN doesn’t store any data that could identify you. For even greater privacy, users can choose to pay in Bitcoin. Help is available over email and live chat, day or night.

ExpressVPN users can install apps for MacOS, Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. There’s also special firmware for routers that makes it easier to secure your entire home network.

Pros:

  • High speeds, unlimited bandwidth
  • Extremely versatile service
  • Best in class security and privacy
  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

Cons:

  • Costs slightly more than some others in this list

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR AZERBAIJAN:ExpressVPN is our first choice for Azerbaijan as it strikes a strong balance between speed, usability, and security. Better still, this service prioritizes your privacy and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full ExpressVPN review for more information.

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2. NordVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers access to over 5,400 servers in 59 countries. It boasts extremely quick connections and unlimited bandwidth, as well as fantastic unblocking ability. As such, it’s a natural choice for anyone looking to circumvent online censorship in Azerbaijan. That said, these same features also make it an excellent option for streaming geo-blocked content abroad. Users can secure up to six devices at once.

This VPN is certainly well-equipped when it comes to security. It uses 256-bit encryption and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection to keep your traffic private. There’s also a customizable kill switch, automatic ad-blocking, and malware-scanning, plus obfuscated servers that can get around even the strictest web-filtering. NordVPN is a zero-logs provider. If you need help, you can contact support staff around the clock over live chat or email.

NordVPN offers iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows apps. Additionally, users can manually install the service on supported network routers.

Pros:

  • Fastest VPN we’ve tested
  • Unblocks the majority of streaming services with ease
  • Excellent security and encryption standards
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Takes slightly longer to connect via desktop apps

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:NordVPN is an inexpensive provider that offers a fast service packed with security and privacy features. Boasting strong unblocking ability, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a huge network, it’s ideal for enhancing your digital privacy while in Azerbaijan.

Why not take a look at our in-depth NordVPN review?

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3. Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has 1,700+ servers in 63 countries, including Azerbaijan. Thanks to its steady speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and impressive unblocking ability, this VPN is able to handle just about anything from streaming to torrenting to evading censorship. Notably, although many VPNs have strict connection limits, this service is happy for you to connect any number of devices. As such, it’s perfect for sharing with family.

If you’re looking for a security-conscious provider, you’re in the right place. Surfshark keeps your traffic hidden using effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. The NoBorders mode helps users access the wider internet in places like Azerbaijan and China, and Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy means it can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. This service even operates a 24/7 live chat-based help desk.

Surfshark apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux systems. Additionally, it can be manually configured for use with select internet routers.

Pros:

  • Speedy multi-purpose VPN
  • Strong security and privacy credentials
  • Allows unlimited devices

Cons:

  • Occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

HIGHLY VERSATILE:Surfshark is a quick and reliable VPN that’s great for day-to-day usage. In fact, with no connection limits, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and some of the strongest security features around, it’s a great choice whatever your needs.

Read our complete Surfshark review.

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4. CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost takes all the hassle out of online security, so even if you’ve never used a VPN before you can easily protect your digital privacy in Azerbaijan. You can connect to any of the 7,000+ available servers (in 90 countries) to get a reliable, high-speed connection wherever you are. There are also specific servers optimized for streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services abroad. With up to seven simultaneous connections allowed, you can protect all of your favorite devices at once.

Despite its user-friendly exterior, this VPN actually includes a wide range of powerful security features, and they’re all enabled by default. These include an ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and an always-on kill switch. CyberGhost doesn’t store any personally identifiable data. Thanks to its 24/7 live chat service, you should never have to struggle with any technical problem for more than a few minutes.

CyberGhost has MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux apps. You can also follow manual setup instructions to get it running on supported wireless routers.

Pros:

  • Speedy servers all over the world
  • Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use.
  • Impressive selection of security and privacy features

Cons:

  • Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

NO FUSS VPN:CyberGhost takes the hassle out of staying safe online. This no-logs provider comes pre-configured for maximum security and gives you thousands of very fast servers to choose from. What’s more, it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish operates more than 1,500 servers in 60 countries around the world. Users aren’t constrained by bandwidth or connection limits, so there’s nothing stopping you from installing this service on all of your devices. Speeds are high enough for flawless live streaming, which means you shouldn’t have any issues whether you’re browsing, torrenting, or making video calls in Azerbaijan.

This lightweight service certainly punches above its weight when it comes to security. It includes 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, plus the ability to block local connections outright. It can also scramble your traffic, helping you evade VPN-detection measures. IPVanish follows a no-logs policy and as such, even it doesn’t know what you get up to whilst connected. 24/7 support is on-hand over live chat.

IPVanish provides apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Linux system. Some routers are also supported via manual configuration.

Pros:

  • Fast and reliable servers
  • No-logs policy and strong security features
  • Has no connection or bandwidth limits

Cons:

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

Our score:

4 out of 5

PROTECT ANY DEVICE:IPVanish is fast, security-conscious, and able to bypass all kinds of online censorship. Further, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect and this zero-logs provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not take a look at our comprehensive review of IPVanish?

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6. PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN has fewer servers than others in this list, but don’t write it off as an Azerbaijan VPN just yet. This provider is very fast and able to bypass just about any regional restriction. Put it this way: PrivateVPN works reliably in China, so unblocking Netflix or Hulu from abroad is child’s play. There are no bandwidth limits at all and users can secure up to six devices simultaneously.

This provider has a special stealth mode that helps you bypass country-wide internet-blocking in a single click. That’s not all, though: there’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. PrivateVPN follows a zero-logs policy, so there’s no need to worry about having your activities traced back to you. Live chat is available most of the time, but not quite 24/7.

PrivateVPN comes with its own apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. If you’d like to protect every device you own, it can also be manually installed on select home routers.

Pros:

  • Exceptionally high speeds
  • Prioritizes your security and privacy
  • Bypasses all but the most strict region-locking

Cons:

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day
  • Fairly small network

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

ZERO LOG PROVIDER:PrivateVPN puts your privacy first, keeping no logs and providing a wide range of powerful security tools. It’s also very fast, making it ideal for anyone looking to browse safely in Azerbaijan. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included with all plans.

Interested? Read our full PrivateVPN review for more information.

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7. Hotspot Shield

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has more than 1,800 servers in 80+ countries (including Azerbaijan). Thanks to its high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, users can browse, use VoIP services like WhatsApp, and torrent as much as they like, free from interruptions. What’s more, they can even access stubborn platforms like Netflix. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted per account.

This service comes with a lot to like, security-wise. For starters, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. There’s also an option that connects to the VPN automatically any time you use a public wifi hotspot. Hotspot Shield deletes all identifiable data once you disconnect, meaning it’s effectively impossible to tell what you do online. Having trouble? Users can reach support staff 24/7 over live chat and email.

Hotspot Shield offers Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, it can be manually installed on supported internet routers.

Pros:

  • Plenty of fast servers to choose from
  • Works great in countries with strict online censorship
  • Plenty of powerful security features built-in

Cons:

  • No anonymous payment options
  • Had past privacy issues

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

SPEED AND SECURITY:Hotspot Shield provides strong security features and high enough speeds to stream, torrent, or browse the web without interruption. What’s more, it’s great at bypassing censorship and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield review.

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How to protect yourself in Azerbaijan using a VPN

VPNs can seem complicated at first but don’t be discouraged; they’re really far easier to use than you might think.

Here’s our four-step guide to browsing the internet safely in Azerbaijan:

  1. First, sign up for one of the services above (we recommend ExpressVPN).
  2. Next, install the app on any device you plan to use frequently. Most providers permit up to five simultaneous connections, but this does vary from one service to another.
  3. Connect to a server in your chosen country. Remember, if you’re looking to bypass web censorship, you’ll have to use a server in a different Country from the one you’re in.
  4. Congratulations: your traffic is now encrypted and you can access any website you like. If you’re having problems, we recommend clearing your cookies and trying again or asking your VPN’s support team for more assistance.

TRY A PAID VPN FREE: Still not sure about which VPN to choose? In the meantime, feel free to make use of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. This will allow you to try a paid service risk-free since you can cancel for a full refund at any time within the first 30 days.

Azerbaijan VPNs: Your questions answered

Should I use a free VPN?

Free VPNs are underwhelming at the best of times but they’re a particularly poor choice in countries with pervasive online censorship like Azerbaijan or China. To begin with, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to get around the government’s web blocking. Even if they work right now, chances are they won’t in a week or a month. Finally, while paid VPNs have the resources to stand up to governmental pressure, free services usually don’t and can’t be relied upon to keep your activities private. 

There are other issues to be aware of as well. For instance, free VPNs tend to have very small networks, meaning you’ll likely have to deal with extremely slow speeds. And this all assumes you get a legitimate service, not just a Trojan or a so-called “VPN” that fails to use any encryption. Bypassing government censorship is above a free VPN’s pay grade; for the highest level of protection, it’s best to use a reputable paid VPN with a focus on security and privacy.

Why do I need a VPN in Azerbaijan?

The Azerbaijani government frequently censors content that shows it in a negative light. Additionally, it has been known to pressure journalists into removing unfavorable coverage with legal threats. To make matters worse, the country’s conflict with Armenia has begun to move online, with analysts on both sides reporting widespread disinformation campaigns, hackings, and DDoS attacks.  

A VPN can help with several of these issues. First, they allow you to access the wider internet even in countries with an ever-expanding list of blocked sites. Second, they encrypt your data, ensuring that it can’t be read by snoopers. Third, while a DDoS attack on your home router would usually prevent you from using the internet at all, VPN networks can easily handle the load, allowing you to shrug off such an attack and continue browsing freely.

Note: we don’t encourage or condone using a VPN to access content that’s illegal in your location. If you’re in any doubt, we strongly recommend reading up on your country’s relevant legislation.

Can I stream Azerbaijani TV online?

Since none of the major broadcasters in Azerbaijan geo-restrict their content, it’s actually possible to stream quite a few Azerbaijani TV channels from abroad. In fact, in most cases, you can watch for free, without even having to sign up. However, we still recommend using a VPN for streaming where possible, simply because of the security and privacy benefits they provide.

Here’s a short list of Azerbaijan TV networks that offer a live stream:

  • AZTV
  • İctimai Television
  • Idman TV
  • ATV
  • CBC
  • Mədəniyyət TV
  • ARB