Best VPN for iPhone in 2024

Best iPhone VPNs – a shortlist

1. NordVPN – the overall best VPN for iPhone
2. Surfshark – the fastest VPN for iPhone
3. Proton VPN – a free VPN for iPhone
4. CyberGhost – the cheapest iPhone VPN
5. Norton Secure VPN – the safest iPhone VPN

If the show or movie I want to watch is not available at my location, or if the website I need to enter seems just a bit off, I use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to stream geo-blocked content without paying extra and to have basic cyber security, especially on the phone, which holds a lot of my sensitive information.

However, iPhones do not have an integrated VPN, so you would have to get a third-party VPN app to keep your device secure and your identity private. While Apple devices are quite secure, your iPhone still shares your IP with websites and service providers. Your device can also be infected with malware through app downloads, phishing messages, and malicious websites – not all of which an iPhone would be able to identify.

A VPN can encrypt your traffic, making your IP address and activity untraceable to hackers, thus securing your online privacy. Some VPNs even have an integrated antivirus that could add extra protection to your device. In this article, I will discuss some of those VPNs, analyze which service providers are best for iPhones, and delve deeper into the security, speed, usability, cost, and reliability of an iPhone VPN. Our research team and I conducted multiple tests to fully explore the benefits of a VPN for your iPhone and iOS devices and help you find the perfect one.

Why do you need a VPN for iPhone?

There are many benefits to having a VPN on an iPhone.

• Privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making your online activity untraceable to your ISP, Apple, or any third party.
• Security. VPNs protect your data from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks at places like hotels or coffee shops.
• Geo-spoofing. Bypass geo-restrictions and access content from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer that are normally unavailable in your region.
• Streaming access. Unblock content from your home country or foreign libraries when traveling, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows anywhere.

Best VPN for iPhone and iOS in 2024 – a detailed list

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best iPhone VPNs. With the help of Cybernews research team, I tested 41 VPNs to find out which ones are most compatible with iOS. I then narrowed down the list by grouping VPNs into 5 categories: best overall (the one VPN that excels in most categories), fastest, cheapest, safest, and best free VPN.

1. NordVPN – the best overall VPN for iPhone in 2024

Servers:	6900+ servers in 111 countries
iOS version:	13.0 and later
iPhone/iPad model:	iPhones 6, 7, SE, iPadOS 13, 11, 13, and more
Current deal:	Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN of 2024 for iOS privacy and security, as well as a great VPN for streaming global content. NordVPN also stands out as one of the few VPNs that still supports iOS 13.0, so it's great for older devices, too. It also offers substantial malware protection that, combined with Apple’s own security software, can almost fully protect your iPhone or iPad.

Why we choose it:

NordVPN provides a wide range of privacy features and a large network of servers around the world. The company has successfully adapted its user-friendly app and privacy tools for iPhone users.

Who we recommend it for:

If you want an all-in-one solution with a VPN, NordVPN is the best choice for your iPhone. It offers features like a static IP address, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and the option to route traffic through its Meshnet.

Privacy and security – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When our team and I tested NordVPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using the ipleak.net website, there were no leaks detected. So, it’s safe to say that your IP address and other personal information are perfectly private with this VPN. RAM-only servers also guarantee that NordVPN wouldn’t be able to keep your data. Additionally, NordVPN has an independently-audited no-logs policy, so your activity remains private, too, even from a VPN provider.

As for security, NordVPN uses AES-256 data encryption, which is currently as secure as it gets. So, NordVPN is one of the best secure connection options there is. As an additional measure, this VPN also has a Threat Protection Lite feature, which removes malware from downloads, blocks ads and trackers, and notifies you about vulnerabilities.

Speed and performance – Good ⭐⭐⭐

While normally NordVPN is the fastest VPN out of the ones our team tests, it seems that it’s a bit slower on iOS devices. With baseline download and upload speeds of 500Mbps, NordVPN had a US-server average speed retention of 67.6% or 338Mbps. The speed retention was even lower in geographically more distant servers, which in my case were Australia and Japan.

However, despite slightly disappointing speeds, I noticed no latency or video quality issues while streaming or watching YouTube videos. The overall connection was pretty stable, too, with no sudden drops in connectivity or image/video quality. All websites were loading up pretty fast, so speed and performance really shouldn’t be an issue.

Usability and user experience – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What I liked the most about both NordVPN and Surfshark iOS apps is that they resemble desktop apps. This makes the NordVPN app, in particular, very simple to navigate, as all features are easily accessible through the menu. NordVPN also has multiple customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, so if you run into any issues, you can get help within seconds.

Installing NordVPN is also very simple. You’ll just need to download the app on your iPhone or iPad, create an account, and subscribe to a plan of your choice. Once the payment goes through, you can start using your VPN. If you’re not satisfied, within 30 days of purchase, you can go into Settings, cancel subscription renewal, and contact customer support about your money-back guarantee.

Server network and locations – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The great thing about NordVPN is that it has the exact number of servers and countries on the iOS version as it does in a desktop app. So, you’re not losing anything by opting for an iPhone app rather than a macOS one. NordVPN offers 6900+ servers in 111 countries, and switching between different servers takes just seconds. Additionally, NordVPN offers specialty servers, such as P2P and obfuscated servers.

Features and customization – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

NordVPN on iPhone offers custom DNS settings and supports its standard protocols. Users can choose auto-connect settings, either “Always” or “Only on Wi-Fi networks.” Additionally, Meshnet and Threat Protection can be manually enabled or disabled. Servers, too, can either be switched manually or auto-connected to the latest/most-used server. Overall, NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections.

Cost, value, and reliability – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

NordVPN is a trustworthy and reliable VPN provider. It has multiple features to ensure user data security and privacy, as well as an audited no-logs policy and no prior security incidents. User reviews reflect that trust as well, as NordVPN is rated 4.7/5 on the App Store, with the majority of comments being overwhelmingly positive.

If you’re interested in NordVPN, it has 3 plans to offer (4 if you’re from certain European countries): Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. Basic offers a VPN and some related features, but is otherwise quite simple. It is also the cheapest out of the three plans, costing $2.99/month. The Plus plan offers the greatest variety of features for a fairly affordable price of $3.89/month. Finally, you can get an Ultimate plan for $5.89/month for extensive protection and identity theft insurance.

Each plan can be chosen for 2 years, 1 year, or as a monthly subscription. They all also include a 30-day money-back guarantee, but unfortunately, there is no free version. A limited 7-day free trial is only available for Android devices.

Personal experience – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other than the speed test results being less impressive than expected, I enjoyed testing NordVPN. I found the iOS app just as simple and easy to navigate as the desktop version. Additionally, I didn’t notice any latency issues or lag while attempting to stream Netflix or watch videos on YouTube, so it’s fair to say that you shouldn’t encounter any issues either. Overall, I’d say that NordVPN has all the necessary features and functionality to be considered the best VPN for iPhones.

Here’s a quick summary of NordVPN pros and cons:

2. Surfshark – the fastest iOS VPN with a high App Store rating

Servers:	3200+ servers in 100 countries
iOS version:	14.0 and later
iPhone/iPad model:	iPhones 7, SE, 11, 12, 13, and more
Current deal:	Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE

Visit Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is the fastest VPN for iPhones and iPads. It showed great average speed retention results with iOS, as test results revealed better speeds compared to those VPNs that are usually much faster.

Why we choose it:

Surfshark is an unbeatable choice for iPhone and iPad users, offering a game-changing benefit: unlimited device connections. This means you can secure every device in your household, from smartphones to tablets to laptops, all with a single account.

Who we recommend it for:

Surfshark is perfect for larger households, offering unlimited device connections at an affordable price. Surfshark provides strong security, privacy protection, and access to geo-blocked content for everyone in your home, all while keeping costs low.

Server location	Surfshark	NordVPN	CyberGhost	Norton VPN
US	443 Mbps download, 268 Mbps upload	338 Mbps download, 170 Mbps upload	435 Mbps download, 277 Mbps upload	347 Mbps download, 80 Mbps upload
UK	459 Mbps download, 330 Mbps upload	326 Mbps download, 275 Mbps upload	458 Mbps download, 294 Mbps upload	378 Mbps download, 289 Mbps upload
Germany	472 Mbps download, 335 Mbps upload	298 Mbps download, 299 Mbps upload	467 Mbps download, 154 Mbps upload	394 Mbps download, 334 Mbps upload
Japan	434 Mbps download, 136 Mbps upload	255 Mbps download, 28 Mbps upload	415 Mbps download, 31 Mbps upload	383 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload
Australia	458 Mbps download, 142 Mbps upload	253 Mbps download, 28 Mbps upload	427 Mbps download, 116 Mbps upload	382 Mbps download, 74 Mbps upload

Note: the table shows OOKLA speed test results performed on an iPhone 7, with a baseline speed of 500 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload.

Privacy and security – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just like NordVPN, Surfshark uses highly secure AES-256 data encryption and has its no-logs policy confirmed by independent audits. But similarities don’t end there. Surfshark also has 24/7 antivirus, malware, and webcam protection, so you can expect the same level of privacy and security as you would with NordVPN.

During the test, I found that Surfshark’s Kill Switch works well to block connections when VPN connectivity drops. The ipleak.net DNS and IP leak tests showed no leaks, either. But if I had to name a negative feature, it would be Surfshark’s The Netherlands jurisdiction, which is part of 9-Eyes alliance, so it’s less private than NordVPN.

Speed and performance – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark showed the best connection speeds out of all tested VPNs. Its average speed retention (with a 500 Mbps baseline) across five countries was 90.6% download and 48.4% upload. Even in a geographically distant Australian server, where other VPNs showed quite slow speeds, Surfshark did not drop below 450 Mbps download and 140 Mbps upload.

Surfshark also did not reduce the video quality while streaming or watching YouTube, nor did I notice any latency or buffering issues. The connection was stable the entire time I tested Surfshark. So, I really don’t think that you would encounter any video quality or connectivity issues with this VPN.

Usability and user experience – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The good thing about Surfshark, just like NordVPN, is that its app is pretty similar to the desktop version. So, I had no issue navigating and finding all the available features. The installation process was also pretty simple, with a process near-identical to NordVPN. Customer support options are also very similar, so you can expect a 24/7 live chat to sort your issues. Finally, the Surfshark app has been compatible with all iOS versions and devices since 2020, so even your older iPhone can support this VPN.

Server network and locations – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark has a 3200+ network of servers in 100 countries, with the majority of servers located in Europe and the US. While NordVPN has both more servers and their countries, you’re unlikely to notice the difference, as Surfshark makes up for its lower server count by having more available country locations.

Switching between servers is also very simple. There’s either a quick selection to turn on your latest server or a manual selection between locations shown on the app screen. As for specialty servers, Surfshark has the same ones as NordVPN: P2P and Double VPN.

Features and customization – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark offers unlimited connections. It means that the whole family and their friends can connect to a single account. Just like NordVPN, Surfshark also allows you to change between protocols. This is handy for switching between international servers, as not all devices and locations support the same VPN protocols.

With Surfshark, you’d also be getting a few features that NordVPN does not have. Those include Rotating IP and Alternative ID. Rotating IP is handy when you have to re-enter the websites that permit a limited number of visits, but it’s not good for gaming or streaming. Meanwhile, Alternative ID allows you to create a whole new name, phone number, address, and email that you could use for less trustworthy logins and newsletter subscriptions.

Cost, value, and reliability – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark has a 4.8 rating in the App Store, which is even better than NordVPN’s. Most of the reviews seem positive, too. It could be because Surfshark, unlike NordVPN, has a free trial available for both Android and iOS devices. It lasts 7 days, after which everyone gets a 30-day money-back guarantee. It can be claimed the exact same way as NordVPN’s – by canceling subscription auto-renewal and contacting customer service.

Surfshark offers 3 subscriptions, each consisting of a 2-year plan, 12-month plan, or a single month plan. Surfshark Starter is the cheapest plan, and it costs $1.99/month (2-year plan). It has all the main features, including identity protection, but does not have some privacy and security features that pricier plans do. One and One+ plans have all the necessary security and privacy features, like basic antivirus protection, and One+ additionally offers personal data removal from databases and search engines. One and One+ plans cost $2.49/month and $3.99/month, respectively.

Personal experience – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Personally, I found Surfshark just as intuitive and easy to navigate as NordVPN. It also works with pretty much all streaming services and has better speeds and better stability than any iOS VPN that I have tested. Surfshark’s iPhone app also includes all the features that you would find on a desktop app, so you’re getting the same value for money. I would single out the Alternative ID feature as a thing that makes Surfshark special and worth getting, but I missed the fully-fledged anti-malware suite that NordVPN provides. Overall, I’d say that Surfshark is definitely one of the best options for an iPhone since its cheapest subscription costs just $1.99/month, and iOS users get a 7-day free trial.

Here’s a quick summary of Surfshark pros and cons:

3. Proton VPN – the best free VPN for iPhones and iPads

Servers:	5 free servers in 5 countries; 9200+ paid servers in 112 countries
iOS version:	15.0 and later
iPhone/iPad model:	iPhones 8, X, 11, 12, 13, and more
Current deal:	Get up to 70% OFF ProtonVPN

Visit Proton VPN

Proton is the best free VPN for iPhone and iOS devices for a number of reasons. For starters, it can effectively unblock streaming services, which many free VPNs cannot do. But it’s also the best for uncompromised privacy and security features.

Why we choose it:

ProtonVPN has a free version which is a standout option for iPhone users who want robust security and privacy without any cost.

Who we recommend it for:

ProtonVPN with its free version is perfect for anyone looking to try out a VPN without committing to a paid plan. It’s especially recommended for privacy-conscious individuals, first-time VPN users, students, and travelers who need secure browsing on public networks or want to access content safely.

Features	Proton VPN	Hotspot Shield	TunnelBear	Hide.me
Kill Switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Need to create an account	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Audited no-logs policy	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Speed retention	43%	50%	32%	1%
Shows ads	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Number of free server locations	5	5	48	7

Privacy and security – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite being a free VPN, Proton offers multiple security and privacy guarantees. It has a strong and functional kill switch, AES-256 data encryption, and an audited no-logs policy. As an additional privacy measure, Proton VPN does not require for you to create an account to use its free service, so there are no details that it could leak either. Our DNS and IP test results also prove Proton’s reliability.

Speed and performance – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Surprisingly, Proton VPN showed very good speeds. The average speed retention was 84% download and 54% upload (with a baseline of 500 Mbps), but keep in mind that since it is a free version, the speed might get lower. I also did not encounter issues when trying to watch Netflix and YouTube – free Proton VPN managed to bypass geo-blocking and did not lower the video quality.

Usability and user experience – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I did not expect much from the free Proton VPN version, as free VPNs tend to be more limited than the paid version, however, I was pleasantly surprised. The app was just as intuitive and easy to navigate as NordVPN or Surfshark’s. The setup was very simple mainly because I didn’t have to create an account to use it. The only negative is the fact that free Proton VPN only allows 1 device connectivity.

Server network and locations – Good ⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN has 5 free server locations, which is about average for a free service. Switching between them is very simple on the app. The available locations are Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United States. A feature that might be slightly annoying is the randomly assigned server. Essentially, when you log in, Proton VPN randomly assigns you to the fastest available server, so you would need to manually change it if it doesn’t match your preferred one. If you were to get a paid Proton VPN version, you would be able to access 9200+ servers in 112 locations.

Features and customization – Good ⭐⭐⭐

While free Proton VPN does not offer many customization options, it does have multiple key features, such as a functional Kill Switch and split tunneling. It does not, however, include premium extra features, such as NetShield, though you’ll still see them on screen. Overall, the difference between paid and free versions is quite noticeable, as the free version is notably limited.

Cost, value, and reliability – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You can get Proton VPN completely free, no strings attached. It doesn’t even show ads that other free VPNs do to earn income. Proton’s free service also did not sacrifice security, as Proton VPN has an audited no-logs policy and never had a security breach. So, as far as free VPNs go, Proton is the most secure.

If, however, you were tempted by Proton VPN’s premium version, it would cost $2.99/month for a 2-year plan. Additionally, you would get a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. Other Proton VPN premium plans last 1 year or 1 month and cost $4.99/month and $9.99/month respectively.

Personal experience – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN is my personal favorite free VPN. I trust it to ensure my privacy and security, and it doesn’t have annoying features that some other free VPNs have, such as ads and the need to create an account. Also, despite having few servers, it still managed to effectively unblock Netflix and has servers in three main global regions.

Here’s a quick summary of Proton VPN pros and cons:

4. CyberGhost – the most affordable premium VPN for iOS devices

Servers:	11500+ servers in 100 countries
iOS version:	13.2 and later
iPhone/iPad model:	iPhones 6, 7, SE, and more
Current deal:	Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE

Visit CyberGhost VPN

Out of all premium VPNs, CyberGhost impresses with its cheap subscription and 11500+ servers – more than most VPNs in the market.

Why we choose it:

CyberGhost offers a large network of servers and a fresh new design for its iPhone app. In addition to its VPN service, CyberGhost now provides other security tools to enhance your online protection.

Who we recommend it for:

CyberGhost can be on the pricier side, making it best suited for users who will get the most value from its extensive server network spread across the globe. This makes it an excellent choice for world travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who needs to connect securely from multiple locations around the world.

Subscription duration	CyberGhost	NordVPN	Surfshark
Monthly	None	$12.99/month	$15.45/month
Yearly	None (only 6 months, costing $6.99/month)	$4.49/month	$2.99/month
2-year	$2.03/month	$2.99/month	$1.99/month

Note: Norton Secure VPN is not included because it has different types of plans. They are all single year duration and the plans cost $0.83/month for simple VPN, $1.67/month for VPN + Antivirus, and $3.33/month family plan for VPN + Antivirus.

Privacy and security – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Like NordVPN and Surfshark, CyberGhost uses AES-256 data encryption, making it a certifiably secure VPN service. Deloitte has also independently audited it to confirm its no-logs policy, so user data is not stored in its system. However, CyberGhost’s iOS app lacks a Kill Switch.

While CyberGhost does not have the same security suite as NordVPN, it still offers standard VPN safety features and an ad-blocker. My DNS and IP leak test also verified that CyberGhost will not leak your data.

Speed and performance – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost has the second-best speed result of all the tested premium VPNs, with an average download speed retention of 88% and upload speed retention of 35% (with a baseline speed of 500 Mbps). Interestingly, CyberGhost has a server optimized for watching Netflix, so this might have contributed to connection stability, too.

However, I did notice slight buffering while trying to skip episodes and switch between YouTube videos, but it did not last long and is pretty normal. Neither streaming nor video quality was negatively affected by the use of CyberGhost VPN.

Usability and user experience – Good ⭐⭐⭐

I found the CyberGhost app interface to be less user-friendly than NordVPN or Surfshark’s. Mainly because it’s less intuitive than its desktop app and it takes more navigation to switch between servers. Also, while you do get servers optimized for streaming, the CyberGhost iOS app has fewer features than the desktop one but for the same subscription price.

However, the setup process and customer support options are the same as with Surfshark and NordVPN. So, the setup will be a simple three-step process, and if you need additional help, you’ll have the knowledge base, email, and live chat support options.

Server network and locations – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost has an impressive number of 11500+ servers – more than any other VPN I’ve encountered during testing. These servers are split across 100+ countries, so this VPN has about the same number of locations as Surfshark. Switching between servers is not as simple as it is with Surfshark or NordVPN because you need to navigate a bit more, but overall, it’s definitely not difficult either. CyberGhost also has optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, which even NordVPN does not have. While specialized servers are a great addition, it’s worth noting that NordVPN’s P2P servers can have a similar effect.

Features and customization – Good ⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost offers 7 simultaneous connections, which is one of the lowest out of the tested VPNs. It also does not offer that many customization options, at least compared to NordVPN, Surfshark, and its own desktop app. Furthermore, the iOS app lacks some features that the desktop app has, like the Kill Switch.

Cost, value, and reliability – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost has only one premium plan, and its pricing depends on the duration. The cheapest long-term plan is its 2-year subscription, which costs $2.03/month. All plans have the same features; the only difference is the money-back guarantee and special offers. For example, the 1-year and 2-year plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee, and the 2-year plan even has a first-subscription discount. Additionally, CyberGhost offers a 7-day free trial for all.

Overall, CyberGhost is a reliable VPN provider with a 4.2 rating on the App Store. While it’s the lowest rating on the list, probably due to the missing features on the iOS version, that’s still a mostly positive evaluation. Also, you can rest assured that CyberGhost did not have previous security breaches that negatively affected its customers.

Personal experience – Good ⭐⭐⭐

I personally consider CyberGhost to be one of the best VPNs. Still, the fact that it lacks Kill Switch and some other features in its iOS app, despite the price being the same as the desktop version, makes it a less desirable option. On the plus side, impressive server count, great speed retention, streaming-optimized servers, and unbeatable price can certainly appeal to a lot of people. So, I would consider all the pros and cons before making a final decision.

Here’s a quick summary of CyberGhost pros and cons:

5. Norton Secure VPN – a highly secure VPN with optional antivirus

Servers:	5000+ servers in 30 countries
iOS version:	15.0 and later
iPhone/iPad model:	iPhones 8, X, 11, 12, 13, and more
Current deal:	Now up to 80% OFF Norton VPN

Visit Norton VPN

You may know Norton for its market-leading antivirus, but Norton VPN also has strong security features and is becoming a popular choice for safety-oriented customers. Besides, its pricier plans come as a package deal with Norton antivirus, so you get a VPN and countless security features with the same subscription.

Why we choose it:

We choose Norton Ultra VPN for its solid combination of security, privacy, and ease of use. Providers' integration with a bunch of security tools makes it a reliable option for iPhone users in need of antivirus or identity protection.

Who we recommend it for:

Norton Ultra VPN is ideal for users who value privacy, security, and convenience, especially those who need antivirus protection. It’s a perfect choice for people already using Norton’s antivirus or identity protection tools, as it seamlessly integrates with their existing security suite.

Privacy and security – Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just like all the best VPNs, Norton VPN has AES-256 data encryption and a no-logs policy. However, it has not yet been independently audited. Only as part of an antivirus suite, but those audits mainly focused on confirming security. Speaking of security, Norton VPN offers plans that include Norton antivirus, so you would receive the whole professional security suite for $1.67/month. You can read more about why that’s impressive in the detailed Norton antivirus review. Additionally, I tested the Norton VPN app for DNS and IP leaks, and no leaks were detected.

Speed and performance – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall, Norton VPN showed fairly good speed test results. While not the fastest, it still showed an average speed retention to be 75% for downloads and 31% for uploads (with a baseline speed of 500 Mbps). While the upload speed dropped significantly in the Japanese and Australian servers, the overall download speed remained in the 300-400 Mbps range across the tested locations.

Usability and user experience – Good ⭐⭐⭐

There are a couple of issues with Norton Ultra VPN. One is that just like CyberGhost, its iOS app lacks some features that the desktop version has, like split tunneling or protocol choice. Norton is also not the best VPN for streaming, as it struggled to unblock a few major streaming platforms, such as Netflix. It’s a common issue for Norton VPN, as its desktop app also only recently managed to unblock Netflix.

On the plus side, Norton VPN’s customer service is responsive and there’s an abundance of options to get help. For example, unlike other VPNs on my list, Norton also offers a phone line as a customer support option. However, it does not have a customer service email.

Server network and locations – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Norton VPN has 5000+ servers in 30 countries, falling behind just after CyberGhost and NordVPN. Because the iOS app is a bit limited, there are no specialized servers. I also found the iOS app to be slightly less intuitive than macOS, Android, or Windows versions. Nevertheless, using the app was not too complicated, and I was able to switch between different servers without noticeable delay.

Features and customization – Good ⭐⭐⭐

Norton VPN offers up to 10 simultaneous connections, depending on which plan you choose. While the app itself does not offer many customization opportunities, mainly because there are no specialized servers or choice of protocols, Norton VPN still has plenty of great features, particularly ones related to safety. Just to name a few, if you were to get a VPN+Antivirus plan, you would receive full antivirus protection, an ad-blocker, and a special iOS and Android exclusive Wi-Fi security feature (available for all plans) that permits automatic VPN connections whenever an insecure network is detected.

Cost, value, and reliability – Very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Norton VPN has an App Store rating of 4.4, which is not the best, but still quite good. The user reviews are fairly positive, as well, mainly because Norton is a reliable service with many security features. Those who choose a bundle of VPN and antivirus are certainly better-off, and the main positive reviews seem to be from those customers.

If you were to choose Norton VPN, you would need to pick between three available subscription plans, each lasting a year. The cheapest is just “VPN,” which has 1 device coverage and costs $0.83/month. It’s a great price, but the features are quite limited. A “Norton Ultra VPN with security” plan that covers 5 devices costs $1.67/month and is a much better choice. However, to get 10 simultaneous connections, you would need to subscribe to a “VPN, security, and family safety” plan that costs $3.33/month. It’s also worth noting that Norton VPN has an impressive 60-day money-back guarantee with a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS devices.

Personal experience – Good ⭐⭐⭐

After testing multiple iOS VPN apps, I have to admit that the Norton iPhone app is my least favorite. This is not just due to its limited features but also because of its least intuitive interface. Having personally used a Norton antivirus, I must say that I prefer the antivirus over the VPN. So, if I could recommend it, I would say getting a Norton antivirus with Norton Secure VPN is a better choice than just a simple Norton VPN.

Here’s a quick summary of Norton VPN pros and cons:

Best VPN apps for iPhone – comparison

Brand	App Store rating	Supported iOS versions	Speed retention (iOS, baseline 500 Mbps)	Simultaneous connections	Servers	Price	Money-back guarantees
NordVPN	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	13.0 and later	45.4%	10	6900+ servers in 111 countries	From $2.99/month	30-day
Surfshark	4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	14.0 and later	69.5%	Unlimited	3200+ servers in 100 countries	From $1.99/month	30-day
Proton VPN	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	15.0 and later	69%	1 free, 10 paid	9200+ servers in 112 countries paid and 5 free	From $2.99/month	30-day
Norton VPN	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	15.0 and later	53.3%	10	5000+ servers in 30 countries	From $0.83/month	60-day
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	13.2 and later	61.4%	7	11500+ servers in 100 countries	From $2.03/month	45-day

How we tested the best iOS VPNs

For this article, our research team and I tested multiple VPNs in the criteria that are most relevant for iPhone users, assigning a score depending on how they performed. The test was performed on an iPhone 7, 15.8.2 iOS. Those VPNs that performed best and excelled in certain areas (like security or speed) were included in the list. The testing criteria were as follows:

• Privacy and security (20% of the total score): first, I investigated the encryption protocols, kill switch functionality, and privacy policy, such as no-logs. I then checked for independent audits for a third-party verification of a VPN provider’s privacy and security claims. Our research team and I also performed IP, DNS, and WebRTC tests on the ipleak.net website to confirm the security and privacy of the VPN. Those VPNs that offer malware protection and multi-hop connections were also further investigated to test those features.
• Speed and performance (20% of the total score): I tested the speed of each VPN on an iPhone to more accurately measure the kind of speed retention you could expect as well. I used speedtest.net to measure the speed of various servers, both geographically close and distant ones. I also checked if there was any drop in streaming or video quality when a VPN was turned on, if there was any latency or buffering, and how stable the connection was overall.
• Usability and user experience (15% of the total score): I investigated each app's general look, how easy it was to install, and how simple it was to navigate. I also checked for the responsiveness of customer support, the number of support options overall, and the overall experience with each provider.
• Server network and locations (15% of the total score): I checked how many servers each provider can offer and if that number is lower on an iPhone app. I also made sure to rate higher those VPNs that provide an easy way to switch between servers. Additional points were awarded for specialized servers, like P2P, streaming, or security.
• Features and customization (10%): to assess this category, I verified simultaneous connections allowed and tested customization options, such as protocol selection, custom DNS settings, auto-connecting, and ability to automate in general.
• Cost and value (10%): I reviewed the pricing plans of each iPhone VPN and what customers get with each option. I then investigated the ability to cancel subscriptions and claim the money-back guarantee.
• Reliability and trustworthiness (5%): I checked if there were any security incidents, data breaches, or leaks of each VPN provider. Additionally, I looked through user reviews in the App Store to see if there were any recurring issues that would indicate a flaw.
• Personal experience (5%): since testing various VPNs gave me a chance to try them on my own, I added a first-person view of what it's like to use them, potential downsides that I noticed, and general experience.

Does the iPhone have a built-in VPN?

iPhones do not have a built-in VPN, so iOS users need to download a third-party application through the App Store to get this service. Most iPhones are compatible with a VPN, so there’s nothing from the iOS side that would prevent the use. But make sure that your chosen VPN is compatible with your iPhone’s iOS version otherwise it might not work.

It might be worth investing in a VPN service because your mobile device is not immune to various risks. A VPN can hide your IP address even from your or public Wi-Fi networks ISPs, preventing the collection of your activity data and attempts to use that information for targeted ads or other, more nefarious purposes. So, a VPN, while also being a handy geo-unblocking tool, also serves to protect your device from data snoopers and various types of cybercrime.

If you have iCloud, you might think that a VPN is unnecessary, as iCloud’s Private Relay can also mask your IP address. However, there are a lot of things that a VPN can do that a Private Relay can’t. For example, iCloud Private Relay only encrypts your traffic on Safari, while a dedicated VPN works on all of your device’s browsers and apps. Private Relay also does not change your geolocation, so it is useless for unblocking foreign streaming libraries. Finally, a dedicated VPN usually has a lot more security features than iCloud’s Private Relay.

Can a free VPN for iPhone be trusted?

A free VPN can be reliable if the VPN provider is trustworthy. The best way to ensure that your chosen provider is reliable is by picking a known name that also offers a premium service. Freemium VPNs have paid subscriptions to financially support their operations, so they might be less inclined to look for other means to reimburse the service, like selling your activity data to advertisers.

That is why it’s also important that your chosen free VPN has a confirmed strict no-logs policy. That way, you’ll know that you’re not paying for the service with your private information. You can find out more about which free VPNs are reliable in our team’s overview of free iPhone VPNs.

However, keep in mind that companies do not have an incentive to provide exceptional service for free. That is why many free VPNs lack the features that premium versions have. So, if you’d like more features, particularly security ones, better speeds, and greater server numbers, you would need to get a paid VPN subscription.

How to set up a VPN on your iPhone

While the details of setting up a VPN on your iPhone depend on your chosen VPN provider, the basics are somewhat the same regardless. For the sake of simplicity, I used NordVPN as an example of how to set up a VPN on an iPhone:

1. Download a VPN app from the App Store
2. Sign up or login to your account
3. Connect to your wanted location. You’ll be asked to allow NordVPN to add VPN Configurations in Settings
4. Click Allow, you’ll be redirected to Settings and asked to confirm it with touch ID or password. Once you do that, you’ll be able to connect to all of the servers

If you’re not able to connect even by following all the steps, you may have issues with your account, network, or compatibility. To avoid these issues, make sure that:

• Your chosen VPN can support your iOS version or iPhone model (you’ll find this information by scrolling down in the App Store)
• You have sufficient funds in your payment account, as even with a guarantee, you’d need to pay for the subscription first
• our home network is strong, and you have stable internet connections

Additionally, you can try to go into Settings, reset your Network settings, and try the whole process again. If you were to still encounter problems, I suggest looking for more information in the VPN guide (like NordVPN’s article about fixing iOS connection) or contacting the customer support.

Video review

If you want a different perspective or just to get information from a different medium, watch this handy review of the best iPhone VPNs:

Final thoughts on the best VPN for iPhone and iOS

As my testing showed, NordVPN is the best VPN for iPhone, as it has multiple privacy and security features and works very well globally, particularly with streaming. Surfshark excelled in the speed category, with a significantly higher average speed retention than other providers. The cheapest VPN for iPhone turned out to be CyberGhost, as its subscription starts at only $2.03/month. The most secure iOS VPN is Norton Secure VPN, as it is also included in some Norton Antivirus plans. And if you don’t feel like spending money – a free Proton VPN is a great alternative.

If you want an abundance of security and general features, great speed retention, and the ability to unblock pretty much all major streaming services, in my opinion, NordVPN still is the great option for the iPhone. It supports all iOS versions since 13.0, released in 2019. So, even an older, no longer Apple-supported iPhone can have NordVPN. This is also handy, as NordVPN can substitute security that Apple no longer updates on older iOS devices.

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