Best VPN for iPhone and iOS in 2024

A virtual private network, or VPN, is the best way to boost your iPhone or iOS device’s security and performance. A good VPN encrypts your internet connection and sends your data through an encrypted, secure VPN tunnel, keeping your browsing history private and your identity hidden.

A VPN keeps you safe even when you are most vulnerable, like while you are using mobile data or public Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shops.

A VPN also expands your internet access by allowing you access way more online content, including geo-blocked websites. When you choose the right VPN server, you can appear to be browsing from a completely different location.

We’ve tested dozens of VPNs and put together a list of the best ones that work perfectly with iPhones, optimizing their performance and safety.

Keep reading to find the best iOS VPN service for your budget and needs.

Here are the 5 best iPhone VPNs for iOS

Here’s a quick rundown on the 5 best iPhone VPNs:

How to choose the best VPN for iPhone

When choosing the best VPN for iPhone, here are the key features you want to look for.

• Speed. You want a fast VPN so you can have unhindered internet access and avoid annoyances like lag, buffering, or dropped connections.
• Privacy and security. Protect yourself from cyber attacks with a VPN that secures your internet connection with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and strong tunneling protocols. Keep your activities private by selecting a VPN with a verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers.
• Streaming. Select a VPN with a strong track record for getting past geo-blocks on popular streaming services and one without caps on bandwidth so you can enjoy limitless access to online content.
• Server network. Look for a VPN with a large network of servers for broad access to geo-restricted websites worldwide.
• Compatibility. Make sure the VPN has user-friendly iPhone VPN apps and allows for multiple simultaneous devices. Verify that the iPhone app is updated to work with your device.
• Customer support. Only subscribe to a VPN plan with a money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.

5 best VPNs for iPhone

We did a lot of research, and based on our findings, we put together this list of best iPhone VPNs. Keep reading to find out more about each one so you can make an informed decision on the best VPN services for your budget and mobile device needs.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best iPhone VPN we’ve found. It has an intuitive iOS app and excellent speed and protects its users with top-of-the-line security features. We also found it’s one of the most dependable VPNs on the market when it comes to accessing geo-restricted content worldwide.

Features: This iPhone VPN is rich in advanced features, including an ad blocker, a tracker blocker, a password manager, a data breach scanner, private DNS, and more. It has a large VPN server network that includes 3000+ servers in 105 countries. The customer service is fast, professional, knowledgeable, and ready to help 24/7 on live chat support.

Speed: The speed you get when using the ExpressVPN proprietary VPN protocol Lightway is truly impressive. When we connected to an ExpressVPN server in the USA, our internet speed was barely affected—downloads were just 1% slower, and uploads were only 3% slower than baseline. Connecting to a distant server in London caused a slightly larger drop in speed, with downloads slowing by 4% as compared to the baseline. Despite this, ExpressVPN consistently provided fast and reliable connections all over the world.

Privacy and security: ExpressVPN employs the best security measures available. These include an automatic kill switch, IP &DNS leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption, multi-hop connections, and a selection of secure tunneling protocols. They employ an independently verified zero-logs policy and use RAM-only servers, meaning none of your data is ever stored on a hard drive. The company is located in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands.

Performance: We used ExpressVPN for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and gaming and found it performed exceptionally well in all areas, with no noticeable changes as compared to performance without using the VPN.

Streaming: We found ExpressVPN to be the most dependable VPN we tested when it came to bypassing geo-blocks on popular streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. With VPN servers in 105 countries and unlimited bandwidth, the amount of TV and movie content you can enjoy on your iPhone is almost endless.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with iOS 15.0 and up, which means anyone with an iPhone 6s or higher can easily install the VPN on their device. If you have an iPhone 5 (iOS 12.0) and up is possible to set up the VPN manually on your iPhone. The iOS app is intuitive to use and set up, even for beginners. Subscribers are allowed up to 8 simultaneous connections, and it works with all kinds of devices, including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, Apple TV, routers, and more.

Pricing: The pricing on ExpressVPN is higher than our other recommended services, but you can minimize the expense by signing up for the 12-month plan, which is available for $6.67 per month and comes with three extra months for free. It includes a 30-day trial period so you can try it out risk-free before committing to the one-year plan.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN provides a secure, private, and fast VPN connection for iPhone users. It is also highly reliable when it comes to accessing geographically restricted websites.

Features: The recently expanded server network now includes an impressive 6400+ servers in 111 countries across the globe. It includes lots of advanced features such as the double VPN feature, tunneling, multi-hop, Tor connections, dedicated IP addresses, dark web monitoring, and Threat Protection against malware, trackers, and ads. You also have customer service representatives available to help you 24/7 on the live chat support.

Speed: The speeds we got on NordVPN were quite good on both local and international servers. When connected to a New York server from inside the US, we maintained 94% of the baseline download speed and 92% of the baseline upload speed. On an overseas London connection, we retained 90% of the baseline download speed.

Privacy and security: NordVPN’s software keeps your internet connection secure with its military-level AES 256-bit encryption, automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. It offers secure tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx protocol. As for privacy, NordVPN has a verified no-logs policy, employs RAM-only servers, and is based in the privacy-friendly location of Panama.

Performance: NordVPN demonstrated a strong all-around performance when it comes to browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting on iOS devices. There was no detectable difference in performance between when the VPN connection was activated and when it was not.

Streaming: We were able to unblock all of the common streaming services using the iPhone VPN app, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. You get unlimited data and bandwidth with NordVPN, so you can watch all the shows you want from all over the world!

Compatibility: The iOS app for NordVPN works with iOS versions 14.2 and higher and can be downloaded easily from the app store or you can use manual VPN configuration. Users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous connections, and it works with a range of mobile devices, PCs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Pricing: There are several pricing options with NordVPN depending on the length of your contract and the feature package you select. The least expensive option is to sign up for the 2-year Basic plan for $3.39 per month. It includes 4 extra months for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

Thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections and reasonable pricing, Surfshark is a popular choice for large households on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on the essential features of a VPN, like your privacy, security, or global access to the internet.

Features: There are over 3200 servers in 100 countries in the Surfshark network. Features include CleanWeb, which protects users from unwanted ads, malware, trackers, and phishing attempts. It also comes with a NoBorders mode, Camouflage mode, and split tunneling. Unfortunately, the split tunneling feature does not work with iPhones.

Speed: Surfshark can’t keep up with the speeds you get with ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it’s still a fast VPN! We tried out Surfshark on a local New York server and maintained 86% of our download speed and 84% of our upload speed as compared to baseline. When we switched to a London server, it retained 80% of the download speed and 74% of the upload speed when compared to the baseline.

Privacy and security: The strong security features Surfshark employs include military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Secure tunneling protocols offered include WireGuard and OpenVPN. While Surfhark is based in The Netherlands, which is part of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, it has a zero-logs policy that is independently verified and uses RAM-only servers to protect your privacy.

Performance: While streaming on the Surfshark VPN app, we experienced occasional buffering, but we were able to switch servers and get better results. The 24/7 live chat support was happy to help us find a faster server for smooth streaming and gaming.

Streaming: We were able to bypass geographical restrictions on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and other popular streaming sites. The unlimited data and bandwidth and broad scope of servers worldwide mean you’ll have access to just about any title you want!

Compatibility: The iOS app on Surfshark works with the iOS 14.0 operating system and above, meaning if you’ve got an iPhone SE or newer, Surfshark’s iPhone app will work for you, and iOS users can easily download it from the app store. Users are allowed unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, and it’s versatile enough to use not only with your iPhone but also with your smart TV, PC, mobile devices, and router. It even offers a graphical user interface for Linux.

Pricing: Surfshark has several pricing options, beginning with Surfshark Starter, which is available for $1.99 per month plus 4 months free when you sign up for the 24-month plan. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service out worry-free.

4. CyberGhost

This well-priced VPN has a huge server network and strong privacy and security features. It’s easy to use and customize, and you’ve got a full 45 days to try it out risk-free!

Features: CyberGhost has a network of over 11,500 servers in 100 countries around the world. Included are servers specialized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It also offers multi-hop connections. While the VPN offers advanced features like an ad blocker and split tunneling, these features aren’t available on the iOS apps.

Speed: CyberGhost demonstrated great speed on a local VPN server but was slower and inconsistent on distant server locations. We experienced a relatively small 11% decrease in download speed and a minor 2% reduction in upload speed on a NYC server. On a London server, the results were less impressive with the download speed dropping by 43%, and the upload speed falling by 50%.

Privacy and security: CyberGhost protects your privacy with its RAM-only servers and a zero-logs policy that has been independently verified. It is based in Romania, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Security features include strong tunneling protocols, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and military-grade AES 256-bit encryption.

Performance: The speed on CyberGhost is not consistently fast, which led to some buffering while streaming, especially when connected to a long-distance server. We were typically able to improve performance by switching servers.

Streaming: You can enjoy content from all over the world without geo-blocks getting in your way on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more. Like all of our highly-ranked VPN providers, CyberGhost has unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can watch all you want!

Compatibility: The iPhone apps, including those in the app store, are compatible with iOS 13.20 and up, which operates the iPhone 6S and newer. It works with all kinds of devices, including mobile devices, desktops, laptops, smart TVs, and routers, and users are allowed up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Pricing: When you subscribe for 2 years plus 4 months free, you pay $2.03 per month, and CyberGhost comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Proton VPN

The privacy policies, security features, and speed you get with Proton VPN are impressive, and Proton VPN’s free plan is the only free VPN service we recommend.

Features: The server network on Proton VPN includes 8,600+ servers in 112 countries around the world. Features include NetShield, port forwarding, stealth mode, split tunneling, a VPN accelerator, double VPN, Tor over VPN, and an always-on VPN feature. The free version has fewer features and server locations but still includes Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy protection.

Speed: The speed we got with Proton VPN+ was quite good. On a local US server, we retained 94% of the download speed and 92% of the upload speed when compared to the baseline. On an overseas server in London, Proton VPN maintained 91% of its original download speed and 90% of its upload speed. These results only apply to the paid subscription plan. Speeds are slower with the free version.

Privacy and security: Proton VPN internet traffic is protected by military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP & DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and strong tunneling protocols. The company is based in Switzerland, which is known for its strong privacy protection. To further safeguard your privacy, it maintains an independently audited zero-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers.

Performance: The speed and stability we got on our Proton VPN connections supported smooth and uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: We were able to unblock and enjoy content from all over the world on the streaming sites Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Vudu, and more. All of the subscriptions, including the free version, have no limits on bandwidth, allowing you to enjoy watching as much as you want without restrictions!

Compatibility: The iPhone apps work with any iOS device with an operating system iOS 15 and newer, which includes the iPhone 6 and one that can be found in the app store. The subscription plan includes 10 simultaneous connections. The free service only covers one device, but you can open multiple accounts. It also has apps for macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.

Pricing: Sign up for Proton VPN+ for 2 years and pay $4.99 per month. It includes a 30-day trial period so you can be sure it meets your needs before you are committed to a long-term contract.

How we picked and analyzed these VPNs 

We put a lot of effort into compiling our list of best iPhone VPNs. We had a team of experts evaluate all the features, speed, and performance of dozens of subscription and free iPhone VPNs and ranked them based on the following criteria:

• Privacy. We checked whether the VPN service has an independently audited zero-logs privacy policy, as this gives a good indication of the extent to which it will protect confidentiality. We gave preference to VPNs that use RAM-only servers and looked at the privacy laws in the country where the VPN service is based.
• Security. The iPhone VPN apps we recommend in this article all use high levels of encryption and secure tunneling protocols on the VPN connection for secure internet access. They also all have leak protection and a kill switch to ensure there are no accidental information breaches.
• Speed. We conducted speed testing on multiple server locations to ensure the VPN service is fast enough to perform well when it comes to browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Compatibility. We looked for VPNs that have intuitive and feature-rich iPhone apps and allow for several device connections at the same time.
• Geo-spoofing. We tried accessing geographically restricted content libraries on multiple popular streaming platforms to see how reliably it could bypass geo-blocks.
• Cost. We know it is important to find a good balance between cost and value and we did our best to include VPNs that offer a good value at a variety of price points so you can find one that meets your needs.
• Customer service. We gave customer service a try to make sure they offered quick and helpful advice. We only included VPNs with a minimum of a 30-day trial period.

VPN for iOS: Quick comparison chart

Brand
Free Trial	Available – 7 Day (For Mobile Devices)	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available for – 1 day on desktop, 3 day on Android, and 7 day on iOS	Available – Unlimited	Available – 30 Days Refund Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 7 Day Free Trial	Available – 30 Days Refund Trial
Starting Price	$6.67/month	$3.39/month	$2.19/month	$2.03/month	$4.99/Month	$2.03/month	$2.19/month	$2.00/month	$2.14/month	$5.00/month
Logging	No logs, independently audited by Cure53	No logs, independently audited twice by PwC	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Securitum	No logs, independently audited by Deloitte	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan	No logs, operated under Swedish privacy laws	No logs, always-on audit by KPMG	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan
Servers	3,000+ servers in 105 countries	6,400 + servers in 111 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	11,500+ in 100 countries	5,200+ servers in 91 countries	30,000+ servers in 91 countries	2,400+ servers in 55 locations	200+ servers in 63 countries	6,500+ servers in 65 countries	700+ servers in 64 countries
Streaming	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Peacock, ITVX, SkyTV, Apple TV+, and more
Simultaneous connections	8	10	Unlimited	7	10	Unlimited	Unlimited	10	10	5
Based in	British Virgin Islands	Panama	The Netherlands	Romania	Switzerland	United States	United States	Sweden	British Virgin Islands	Switzerland
Reviews	ExpressVPN Review	NordVPN Review	Surfshark Review	CyberGhost Review	ProtonVPN Review	Private Internet Access Review	IPVanish Review	PrivateVPN Review	PureVPN Review	VyprVPN Review

How to set up a VPN on an iPhone

You can set up a VPN on your iPhone by following the few simple steps listed below:

1. Choose a reliable iOS VPN from our list of recommended VPNs. Our #1 pick is ExpressVPN.
2. Go to the App Store and search for your preferred VPN.
3. Select the app and download it onto your device, entering your Apple ID when prompted.
4. Log in to your account.
5. Select a server, or use the auto-connect feature and start using your VPN.

Verify that your VPN is working by following these steps:

1. Look up your original IP address on whatismyipaddress.com with your VPN off.
2. Turn on your VPN, select a server, and press connect.
3. Look up your IP address on WhatIsMyIPAddress and compare it to your IP address in step one.
4. If your IP address changes, your VPN services are working.

What is the fastest VPN for iPhone? 

ExpressVPN’s iOS app is the all-around fastest VPN for iPhone. We experienced only a minimal drop in speed on both local and long-distance servers, which was not noticeable when it came to performance.

Keep in mind that speeds on all VPNs vary depending on which server you select and how much internet traffic there is on the server at any given time. Using the auto-connect feature will automatically connect you with the fastest server.

Does using a VPN slow your connection? Yes, VPNs for iPhone can slow your connection a bit as it takes time for the data to be encrypted and travel, but that doesn’t compare to the slowdowns you will get from ISP bandwidth throttling, which a VPN protects you from.

That’s also why we generally don’t recommend completely free VPN services. Free VPNs often limit data, bandwidth, and speed to save money, which can further slow down your connection.

Is it safe to use a VPN for iPhone? 

Yes. Not only is it safe to use a VPN for iPhone, but a VPN provides a higher level of safety than your iPhone alone. When you use a quality iPhone VPN, all of your data is passed through an encrypted tunnel so no one can access your private information, therefore protecting you from cyber threats.

When you use a VPN, stick with one of the top iPhone VPNs. Many VPNs, especially free VPNs, don’t have the privacy and security features that the best iOS VPNs offer. Some may even sell your browser history for profit.

If you are only interested in free iPhone services, Proton VPN is the only VPN we recommend that has a free iPhone app. You can also sign up for one of the trusted VPNs for iPhone that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and get full VPN protection for one month for free, just remember to cancel during the trial period.

Should you use a VPN for iPhone?

Yes. Any iPhone user who values privacy and wants the highest level of protection against cyber-attacks should use an iPhone VPN. A premium VPN uses encryption and other measures to ensure your private information doesn’t get into the wrong hands.

A good iPhone VPN is also a great tool for accessing geo-restricted websites worldwide and can even improve your speed by avoiding ISP throttling measures.

Keep in mind most free iPhone VPNs do not offer the security, privacy, speed, or access to global content that you get with a premium VPN. If you are looking for a secure and private free iPhone VPN, Proton VPN offers services that will get the job done. You can also subscribe to one of our recommended VPN providers and cancel within the 30-day trial period, which is just like getting a free VPN for a month.

Do iPhones have a built-in VPN?

No. IPhones do not have a built-in VPN. It does, however, include VPN settings to help you control a third-party VPN, and you can use it to configure a third-party VPN provider on your iPhone manually.

The easiest and fastest way to install and use a VPN on your iPhone is with an iPhone VPN app, which you can easily download from the Apple store.

FAQ

What is the best VPN for iPhone?

ExpressVPN offers excellent speed and advanced features, all packaged together into easy-to-use iOS VPN apps, which is why we put it in the number one spot for the best iPhone VPN. The VPN service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give it a try and see why we ranked it so highly, risk-free.

Does iOS have a free VPN?

It is possible to use a free VPN with iOS, but you are better off with a reputable subscription VPN provider that offers the highest level of security and privacy protection for your internet connection.

Free services can rarely bypass the strong geo-blocks on popular streaming services, and they typically limit speed, data, and/or bandwidth, leading to buffering, lag, or dropped connections.

The only free VPN we recommend is Proton VPN, which has a secure free version, though the features and server network are limited.

Does a VPN work on an iPad?

Yes. iPhones and iPads run on the same operating system, which means the iOS app will work on either device. The layout may be a little different, but for all intents and purposes, a VPN will work the same way it does on your iPhone.

Do I need a VPN with Apple products?

A VPN for Apple is necessary if you want unrestricted access to the internet. Some websites may have geographical restrictions on them, meaning travelers won’t be able to access their sites from back home, such as some financial institutions or work sites, while they are abroad. Plus, the content on streaming sites is country-specific, meaning you may not be able to finish watching your favorite series on Netflix while you travel without a VPN.

A high-quality VPN also offers an essential layer of privacy and security you won’t get otherwise, with features like military-level encryption and a strict no-logs policy. This is especially important when you are on the go and dependent on public Wi-Fi, which is a common target for cyber attacks.

Can you use a VPN on an iPhone?

Yes. You can and should use a VPN on an iPhone. It is the best way to protect yourself from cyber threats and to gain full access to websites worldwide without firewalls or geo-restrictions getting in your way.

Conclusion

Finding a great VPN for your iPhone or Apple device can be a bit tricky, but this article will help you make sure the one you pick works perfectly. With the right VPN, you’ll boost your online privacy, security, and anonymity, plus enjoy a better internet experience with access to tons of exciting content.

Investing a few dollars a month into a premium VPN is the best way to get the highest level of performance out of your iPhone and stay safe online.

Click on any of the links in this article to get the best price on any of our recommended VPN providers.