Best VPN for iPhone in 2023
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Šarūnas Karbauskas
Writer
VPNs are essential for mobile phones because these services grant immense benefits for devices that everyone uses almost every day. For example, a VPN can mask your IP, change your location, bypass ISP throttling, enhance privacy, and unlock geographically restricted content.
However, finding a good VPN for iPhone is not an easy task due to varying security, features, pricing, and more aspects. Our team of experts scoured the Apple App Store to find the most effective and reliable options that work with as many iPhone models as possible. You’ll also learn which ineffective iPhone VPN services should be avoided and why.
We tested around 42 services to ensure you know which options are truly the best. Keep reading to explore 10 iOS VPNs that made our list and get to know what make them worth using.
It’s worth noting that proxies are often misrepresented as VPNs in app stores, but they lack the encryption and privacy protections that VPNs offer. For tightened online security, always choose a reputable VPN service.
5 best VPN apps for iPhone
- NordVPN – best VPN for iPhone in 2023
- Surfshark – budget-friendly iPhone VPN for securing unlimited devices
- Atlas VPN – secure and affordable mobile-first iOS VPN
- ExpressVPN – iPhone VPN with strong security features
- CyberGhost – one of the cheapest VPNs for iOS
Best VPNs for iPhone in 2023 – our detailed list
We thoroughly tested 42 quality VPNs found on the Apple App Store to rank them in our best VPNs for iPhone list. This constantly reviewed list ensures all VPN recommendations provide unbreakable security, fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and much more. Without further ado, read on to find the best VPN for iOS that excels in every aspect.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for iPhone and iOS overall
| Servers: | 5,900+ servers in 60 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 13.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone SE and newer models |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday Deal! Get NordVPN with 69% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥 |
NordVPN is the best overall VPN for iPhone devices. It provided excellent results in all our evaluated areas and consistently receives high praise on the Apple App Store from satisfied customers.
The NordVPN iPhone app is compatible with iOS versions 13.0 and up. That means you can install it on iPhone SE and subsequent models, such as iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
One of the most appealing NordVPN aspects is its remarkable security and privacy assurances. For starters, there are features like a functional kill switch, RAM-only servers, a strict no-logs policy. Moreover, the unique Threat Protection Lite feature blocks various ads and malicious sites on iOS devices.
Having NordVPN on all the time we didn't notice any tremendous speed drops. We were browsing the internet, and watching YouTube and it was like we didn't even have a VPN on. The pages were loading swiftly and Youtube didn't buffer. This is due to NordVPN NordLynx protocol which is unique to NordVPN and our test showed that it has 90% internet speed retention.
While reviewing NordVPN, we enjoyed the interactive world map that allowed us to easily connect to our desired countries without needing to type in text. Another sought-after perk is compatibility with Apple’s Voice Control, which enables creating Siri shortcuts for swiftly completing various tasks.
Pricing. NordVPN offers three subscription plans (Standard, Plus, Ultimate), which vary in price and features. You’ll be more than satisfied with the introductory Standard plan, which costs only $2.99/month when signing up for the 2-year plan. However, the aptly named Complete plan is the most feature-rich and recommended option for well-rounded protection. It costs $6.49/month and adds NordPass and NordLocker to the mix. Whichever plan you choose, a 30-day money-back guarantee is included if your needs aren’t met by the best iPhone VPN.
2. Surfshark – extra secure VPN for Apple for multiple devices
| Servers: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 13.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone SE and newer models |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE 🔥 |
Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a well-balanced iOS VPN regarding price, security, and feature abundance. It’s cheaper than NordVPN, our #1 candidate, yet offers a comparable benefits package.
Firstly, note that Surfshark, just like NordVPN, is compatible with iOS versions 13.0 and above. That means you can utilize it on iPhone SE and all iPhone 14 variations.
Many potential customers lean towards Surfshark over other iPhone VPNs because it offers a free 7-day trial directly in the Apple App Store. Various terms and conditions apply, but you can test the service for free if you’ve added payment details to your Apple ID. We attempted this while reviewing Surfshark and had no trouble throughout the process.
Another compelling perk that makes Surfshark popular is that one subscription supports unlimited device connections. That means you’ll have no trouble securing your entire household regardless of how many devices you own.
Surfshark is also a top choice performance-wise. It’s powered by the open-source WireGuard protocol, the go-to option in the VPN industry for lightning-fast speeds. Moreover, its 3,200+ server network is scattered across 100 countries, giving customers an impressive foreign IP variety. Naturally, so many options wouldn’t be possible without virtual servers.
Pricing. Just like NordVPN, Surfshark offers multiple subscription options (Starter, One, One+) for varying user needs. The most cost-effective option is Starter, which costs only $1.99/month when opting for the lengthiest 2-year term. But don’t overlook the $3.99/month One+ option, which includes antivirus software for ultimate iPhone protection. And don’t forget about the 30-day money-back guarantee if you’ve used the 7-day free trial.
Learn more about how the top iOS VPNs differ in our NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison.
3. Atlas VPN – user-friendly VPN for iPhone with great security features
| Servers: | 1,000+ servers in 42 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 14.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone 6s and later |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get Atlas VPN, now 86% OFF + 6 months FREE! 🔥 |
Consider Atlas VPN if you need a secure and budget-friendly VPN that’s even cheaper than Surfshark yet includes many of its coveted benefits. Additionally, this VPN is mobile-first, making it ideal for iPhone users.
Unlike our previous nominees, Atlas VPN is compatible with iOS 14.0 and up. Thus, it’s less suitable for older iPhone models and will only work with iPhone 6s and above.
Regarding similarities with Surfshark, Atlas VPN supports unlimited device connections with one account and is powered by the swift WireGuard protocol. However, it has a more humble server network with fewer country options (1,000+ servers across 42 countries). You also won’t find varying Atlas VPN pricing options that include antivirus and other cybersecurity features.
On the other hand, Atlas VPN has an exclusive perk unfound among other VPN services. MultiHop+ provides a unique spin on the classic Double VPN formula by adding rotating locations to the mix. This small variation makes users almost impossible to track since their exit server is constantly changing. Meanwhile, competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark offer typical MultiHop implementations where your connection is routed through static VPN servers.
Another notable difference is that Atlas VPN is freemium, meaning it offers an entirely free plan as an alternative to the premium one. Naturally, it’s barren of features, but it’s enough if you simply want to mask your IP address.
Pricing. Atlas VPN is one of the cheapest VPNs for iPhone, starting at only $1.64/month if you’re willing to sign up for three years, a lengthier period than with other iOS VPNs. Plus, don’t forget about the 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to test the premium features without risk.
4. ExpressVPN – iPhone VPN with excellent security features
| Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 15.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone 6s and later |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get ExpressVPN, now 49% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥 |
ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs for the iPhone. While pricier than average, the service boasts robust protection measures and an infallible reputation regarding privacy.
But first, it’s crucial to outline ExpressVPN’s iPhone compatibility since it’s quite unique. For starters, the dedicated app is compatible with iOS 15.0 and up, leaving models older than the iPhone 6s in the dust. However, you can set up the service manually on iOS 12.0 and above if you need VPN benefits on iPhone 5.
Just like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN’s entire server fleet is powered by RAM-only hardware. That means any user and software data is completely erased whenever the servers are restarted or unplugged, making it impossible to get any information from the servers. Moreover, the server country variety is even greater than Surfshark’s and covers 105 countries worldwide.
Some claim that ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs for iPhone, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol. Unlike NordLynx, which is based on WireGuard, Lightway is built from scratch. Thus, it offers a truly one-of-a-kind browsing experience. Most importantly, our ExpressVPN tests showed that the protocol provides excellent connection speeds and reliable geo-block removal results.
Pricing. One of the biggest ExpressVPN drawbacks is its price. You’ll have to pay around $6.67/month even when signing up for the long-term annual plan. Thankfully, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for testing the premium plan without risk.
Can’t make up your mind? See how ExpressVPN compares against the best in our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.
5. CyberGhost – feature-rich provider for excellent iPhone security
| Servers: | 10,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 13.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone SE (1st generation) and up |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get CyberGhost VPN, now 84% + 4 months FREE! 🔥 |
CyberGhost is one of the most cost-effective VPNs for iPhone. It’s significantly cheaper than many of our top recommendations yet offers many of the features you’d find with them.
Before we begin, it’s vital to note that CyberGhost VPN is compatible with iOS version 13.0 and above. That means you can utilize it on iPhone models SE (1st generation) and upwards.
The first thing you’ll notice about CyberGhost VPN is its colossal fleet spanning 10,200 servers across 100 countries. Besides the impressive number, the selection is also segmented into various specialty categories. You’ll find server options for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and gaining extra online privacy.
Like many worthwhile iPhone VPNs, CyberGhost utilizes the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol to ensure wicked-fast connection speeds. However, while reviewing CyberGhost VPN, we noted that the provider has trouble keeping connections swift and stable. In some cases, we had better performance with alternative protocols like IKEv2.
As expected, CyberGhost's more affordable price leads to an absence of some features among the competition. For starters, the iOS app lacks the Content Blocker feature, meaning no ad blocking while browsing on the go with this provider. You also can’t enable the OpenVPN protocol if you find WireGuard failing.
Pricing. This VPN stands out from the rest with its lengthier 45-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a handful of free trial options, which vary by OS. Most importantly, the affordable $2.04/month starting price is quite an appealing benefit.
6. IPVanish – VPN for iPhone with great security features
| Servers: | 2,200+ servers in 52 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 14.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone 6s and later |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get 81% OFF IPVanish + 3 months free! 🔥 |
IPVanish is a well-rounded and versatile option for iPhone users. It lacks any exceptional features that would set it apart from the rest, but it executes the essentials in a high-quality manner, making it better than the average VPN service.
Before purchasing IPVanish, you should know that the app works with iOS version 14.0 and above. That means you’re covered if you have an iPhone 6s or a superior model.
IPVanish includes many of the best features among the top iOS VPNs. For starters, it’s powered by WireGuard for lag-free web browsing. The server network is adequate, boasting 2,200 servers across 52 countries. It’s crucial to note that the below-average country variety stems from the fact that all servers are physical. To be precise, the provider doesn’t use virtualization to inflate its foreign IP selection.
Like Surfshark and Atlas VPN, one IPVanish account can simultaneously protect unlimited devices. This boon is perfect if you need a single VPN for sharing with friends and family. Plus, the IPVanish benefits list includes apps for various at-home devices, such as PC, mobile, Android TV, and even Apple TV.
A potential drawback for privacy enthusiasts is that IPVanish is based in the US, a founding member of the 5-Eyes surveillance alliance. Thankfully, the provider conducted an independent audit of its no-logs policy to alleviate any potential doubts about its privacy practices.
Pricing. IPVanish is reasonably priced, considering its robustness. Sign-up prices start at $2.49/month for long-term plans and include a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free refunds if your expectations aren’t met.
7. Proton VPN – easy-to-use VPN for iPhone with unlimited data
| Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 69 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 14.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone 6s and newer |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Holiday deal! Get up to 60% OFF Proton VPN! 🔥 |
Go with Proton VPN if you prioritize absolute privacy and cutting-edge features. The service employs various methods to ensure customer confidentiality and security. However, these perks come with an above-average price tag compared to other iPhone VPNs.
Keep in mind that the Proton VPN mobile app is compatible with iOS versions 14.0 and above, meaning you can install it on iPhone 6s and beyond.
Proton VPN is undeniably one of the best VPNs for privacy for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s based in privacy-respecting Switzerland, thus being free from surveillance alliances like the 14-Eyes. Secondly, Securitum, a well-renowned security auditing company, audited its no-logs policy. Finally, one of the most compelling perks is that Proton VPN’s apps are open-source, giving them the legitimacy that very few VPN services in the industry can brag about.
Our Proton VPN tests showed that the service is quite fast, thanks to WireGuard and the unique VPN Accelerator technology, which is even implemented in the free plan. Other notable features include NetShield, Secure Core servers, port forwarding, and the in-house Stealth protocol for bypassing online censorship.
Pricing. Like Atlas VPN, Proton VPN offers a completely free plan if you can’t afford the premium one. Naturally, it lacks most of the service’s excellent features, but it’s still a viable choice. However, the $3.99/month starting subscription price is well worth it and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
8. PureVPN – privacy-guaranteeing iOS VPN
| Servers: | 6,500+ servers in 65 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 12.3 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone 5s and later |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get PureVPN, now 83% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥 |
PureVPN is an excellent iPhone VPN that strikes a solid balance between affordability and privacy. It’s cheaper than Proton VPN yet includes many privacy-centered perks that greatly enhance user anonymity.
Firstly, this VPN is suitable for anyone using an older iPhone model, for example, iPhone 5s, because the PureVPN app works with iOS 12.3 and above.
The default PureVPN plan doesn’t include many one-of-a-kind features, but you can fix that by adding various bonus services at checkout. Potential options include PureKeep (password manager), PureEncrypt (encrypted file storage), and PurePrivacy (digital privacy manager). This makes PureVPN pretty similar to NordVPN with its extensive subscription plan variety. Interestingly, port forwarding is also paywalled, even though many competitors include this P2P-geared feature free of charge.
As expected, PureVPN is powered by WireGuard to ensure swift and secure connections anywhere. The server network is solid and spans 6,500 servers across 65 countries. Customer data is well-protected in terms of privacy since PureVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands. Moreover, its audited no-logs policy includes a unique always-on clause, meaning security auditors may visit the service without prior notice.
Pricing. The no-frills PureVPN package is quite affordable at $2.08/month and is comparable to cheap services like Atlas VPN and CyberGhost. However, the option to add bonus cybersecurity tools into the subscription plan is a huge benefit if you’re looking for an all-in-one iPhone security tool. Finally, the service offers an expanded 31-day money-back guarantee to stand out.
9. Ivacy VPN – cheap and long-term solution for iPhone users
| Servers: | 5,700+ servers in 68 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 13.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone SE and newer |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get Ivacy VPN, now 90% OFF + gift!🔥 |
Ivacy VPN is, without a doubt, one of the most affordable VPNs for iPhones. Unsurprisingly, these unbelievable prices are only available if you opt for the exceptionally extensive 5-year subscription plan, something most VPN services don’t offer.
Regarding iOS compatibility, Ivacy VPN is pretty standard and works with versions 13.0 and up. That means you can install it on iPhone SE and subsequent models.
It should come as no surprise that Ivacy VPN’s affordability means few exceptional features. Thankfully, the essentials are covered quite adequately. For example, the service provides 5,700 servers across 68 countries, which is very close to what NordVPN, the best VPN for iPhone, offers. Meanwhile, connections are conducted using WireGuard, meaning there’s no risk of encountering severe slowdowns while using this VPN.
Besides what you’d expect from a typical VPN, Ivacy lets users select servers by intended purpose. Available options include downloading, unblocking, and streaming, the last category being further split by streaming platforms. Otherwise, our Ivacy VPN review uncovered that there’s nothing particularly exciting about this iPhone VPN over others.
Pricing. Ivacy VPN prices start at a measly $1.00/month if you’re willing to commit to a five-year subscription. And don’t forget that each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee if you start having second thoughts about the service.
10. VyprVPN – secure iOS VPN with a selection of tunneling protocols
| Servers: | 700+ servers in 64 countries |
| iOS version: | iOS 13.0 and up |
| iPhone model: | iPhone SE and later |
| Current deal: | 🔥 Get VyprVPN, now 50% OFF the 1-year plan! 🔥 |
Our final iPhone VPN suggestion is a security-focused option with solid features yet arguably overpriced subscription costs. It has a few proprietary technologies, but our VyprVPN tests showed that they aren’t always what they claim to be.
Firstly, note that the VyprVPN app is compatible with iOS 13.0, meaning you can easily install it on iPhone SE and other models running this version.
In many ways, VyprVPN is similar to privacy-centered Proton VPN. Both providers hail from Switzerland, boast audited no-logs policies, run on WireGuard, and include proprietary tunneling protocols (Stealth and Chameleon) for bypassing digital censorship. Even their subscription prices are almost identical (around $5/month).
And while the above-mentioned features are excellent regarding security and privacy, VyprVPN doesn’t bring much else to the table. The server network spans 700 servers across 64 countries, a number well below the average of most iPhone VPNs we covered. The service also struggled during speed tests and geo-block removal, making it ill-suited for data-intensive video streaming activities.
But, to give credit where credit is due, VyprVPN is VTI-certified (VPN Trust Initiative). Many leading VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark are members of this initiative, meaning VyprVPN is truly reliable regarding privacy.
Pricing. VyprVPN prices start at $5.00/month, putting it in the same price category as Proton VPN but still cheaper than ExpressVPN. Like most iOS VPNs, this one supports risk-free testing using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Comparison of the best VPNs for iPhone
| NordVPN | Surfshark | Atlas VPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | Proton VPN | PureVPN | Ivacy VPN | VyprVPN | |
| Logo |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Supported iOS versions | iOS 13.0 and above | iOS 13.0 and above | iOS 14.0 and above | iOS 15.0 and above | iOS 13.0 and above | iOS 14.0 and above | iOS 14.0 and above | iOS 12.3 and above | iOS 13.0 and above | iOS 13.0 and above |
| No-logs | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, not audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, independently audited | No-logs, not audited | No-logs, independently audited |
| Speed retention | 90% | 86% | 80% | 77% | 86% | 80% | 85% | 67% | 32% | |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 |
| Servers | 5,900+ servers in 60 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 1,000+ servers in 42 countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 10,200+ servers in 100 countries | 2,200+ servers in 52 countries | 3,000+ servers in 69 countries | 6,500+ servers in 65 countries | 5,700+ servers in 68 countries | 700+ servers in 64 countries |
| Streaming sites | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Youtube | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Price | From $2.99/month | From $1.99/month | From $1.64/month | From $6.67/month | From $2.04/month | From $2.49/month | From $3.99/month | From $2.08/month | From $1.00/month | From $5.00/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 45-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 31-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
How we selected and tested these VPNs for iPhone
To curate our list of the best VPNs for iPhone, we tested 42 VPN services found among the top 50 VPNs on the Apple App Store. As you can imagine, we tested these VPNs by installing them on various iPhone models available among us.
The process involved evaluating the apps in as many daily situations as possible. For example, we tried various server locations across numerous Wi-Fi networks to gauge speed, unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, and even visiting ad-laden websites to see if the included ad-blocking features are effective. Naturally, we also couldn’t overlook provider privacy policies to ensure there aren’t any ambiguities regarding user data.
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each criterion we prioritized.
| Total number of VPN providers tested: | 42 |
| Operating systems tested and compared: | iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Security and privacy: | AES-256, no-logs policy |
| Protocols used for speed testing: | WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway |
| Streaming services tested: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
| Servers and locations: | Large and global server fleets |
- iOS app. Most VPN iOS apps differ from other operating systems' applications. Some VPN iOS apps may also include fewer features, especially compared to desktop versions. That’s why we tested the iOS app of each VPN and compared it with their macOS, Windows, Android, and Linux counterparts in terms of features and interface.
- Security and privacy. We made sure that each selected service uses strong AES-256 encryption. We also only included VPNs with audited no-logs policies.
- Performance. You don’t want to sacrifice speeds for security and privacy. Therefore, we used our speed test tool to measure the performance of the WireGuard, NordLynx, and Lightway tunneling protocols.
- Servers and locations. It’s useful for a VPN to have many server options. It helps with unblocking geo-restricted content and prevents bumping into overcrowded ones. We've looked for services that offer the best selection of server locations.
- Bypassing of geo-blocks. The ability to access restricted websites is one of the reasons why people are looking into VPNs. Only the best VPNs are compatible with Netflix and other streaming platforms. This, we have tried unblocking a variety of geo-restricted content with each VPN.
- Price. There should be a healthy ratio between the price and the things that you get. To learn whether the iPhone VPN service offers a fair money and quality ratio, we have summarized each result from performed testing and compared them to the price.
Other VPNs we tested for iPhone
While we provided a list of the 10 best VPNs for iPhone, more VPN providers were included in our tests. They didn’t make it into the list of recommended iPhone VPNs due to various reasons, such as poorer privacy measures, tiny server fleets, and much more. Here are four other providers out of the 32 VPNs we tested that almost made it to the best list and are worth mentioning:
- PrivateVPN – a secure and private VPN with AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. However, it didn’t make it into the list of the best iPhone VPNs due to its tiny 200+ server network distributed across 63 countries, lack of threat protection, kill switch features, and the WireGuard tunneling protocol.
- Windscribe VPN – although it offers unlimited simultaneous connections and can unblock various streaming services, such as Netflix on iOS, it didn’t meet the requirements for the list. Windscribe VPN logs some information during your VPN session, which is immediately deleted after you close the program.
- Private Internet Access – this provider boasts a large 30,000+ servers network in 84 countries, offers a sleek iOS app, and has the WireGuard protocol. However, during our tests, it performed poorly and showcased a 56% drop in initial download speeds. Also, it didn’t unblock BBC iPlayer. Therefore, PIA didn’t make it into the list of the best VPNs for iPhone.
- Hotspot Shield VPN – this VPN encrypts data with AES-128 cipher, which is faster than AES-256 but less secure. Additionally, it’s a controversial provider due to logging users' data and selling it to third parties. Since this provider sacrifices security for speed and has a shady reputation regarding privacy, it automatically didn’t make it into the recommendations list.
Overall, we recommend choosing a VPN based solely on your needs. We carefully test and select iPhone VPNs that provide top-notch security and privacy measures, have many features, are speedy, and offer full-fledged iOS apps. Therefore, your device will be secure without compromising speeds, privacy, and user experience.
How to choose the best iPhone VPN?
Whether you’re looking to secure your device or unblock geo-restricted content, the best VPN for iPhone shouldn’t compromise one for another. It must provide the highest level of security, perform at fast speeds, and bypass regional restrictions – just to name a few factors. Here are the main requirements for the best iOS VPN:
| iOS app: | Intuitive, feature-rich, well-performing |
| Security and privacy measures: | AES-256 encryption, independently audited no-logs policy |
| Features: | Kill switch, threat protection |
| Speed and performance: | Speed retention >75%, WireGuard |
| Servers: | Distributed around the world, obfuscated |
| Bypasses restrictions: | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and other streaming platforms |
- iOS app. Choose a provider that has a dedicated app for iOS that performs well and has relevant security features for your device’s ultimate protection. This way, you’ll get a user and beginner-friendly interface and a lag-free experience while using the VPN.
- Security and privacy measures. The best VPN for iPhone should include top-notch AES-256 encryption to safeguard your data and identity. For extra privacy, also pay attention to whether a VPN has an independently audited no-logs policy.
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Features. A VPN for iOS should include additional security features like threat protection to block ads, pop-ups, and malicious websites. It can also include a kill switch that prevents your data from leaking if your VPN connection drops.
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Speed and performance. Your VPN must ensure fast speeds and seamless performance without buffering or lagging. Only select a provider with the WireGuard tunneling protocol and its modern variations, such as NordLynx or Lightway.
- Servers. First, your VPN for iPhone should include a large server fleet distributed across many countries worldwide so you can easily change your iPhone location. Secondly, select a VPN with obfuscated servers that hide VPN usage.
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Bypasses restrictions. Select a VPN for iPhone that has proven to unblock and access international content on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and others.
What is the fastest VPN for iPhone?
The fastest iPhone VPN is NordVPN. This VPN retains up to XX% of the original speed, which ensures seamless and lag-free streaming, browsing, and torrenting. However, other options on our list are also pretty fast, so we compared the three most popular VPNs to see how their speed results differentiate.
- Baseline: 300 Mbps download/300 Mbps upload
| VPN service | Closest server | Average international speed |
| NordVPN | 281 Mbps | 249 Mbps |
| Surfshark | 272 Mbps | 263 Mbps |
| ExpressVPN | 269 Mbps | 255 Mbps |
The top 3 providers were surprisingly close to one another. NordVPN was the best all-around option, and Surfshark had the best international speeds. ExpressVPN came third – even though its speeds are very competitive, it’s a slower provider than NordVPN and Surfshark.
Is it safe to use a VPN on an iPhone?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use a VPN on an iPhone. Not only a reliable VPN provider will secure your data, encrypt it and keep you anonymous online, but it also will give you access to so much geo-restricted content.
In addition, with an iPhone VPN, you can be certain that your activity online isn’t tracked or monitored by your ISP or government. So, you can avoid speed throttling or having your internet access restricted.
On the other hand, Apple offers its own VPN solution for iPhone devices. It’s called Private Relay and it’s available with paid subscriptions. Plus, it comes on a premium version of iCloud+. However, it’s not even close to what reputable market-leading VPNs can offer. Private Relay works with Safari browser only, and you can’t choose your preferred server or region.
So the best option is going for a reliable premium VPN for iPhone devices, such as NordVPN. This way, you’ll be certain that your data is secure and you get the best experience while browsing online.
iOS versions comparison: what changed over the years and how have VPNs adapted?
Both iOS devices and VPNs have faced numerous bugs and security flaws in the past years, such as not being able to ensure that your data is being sent via the VPN on iOS devices with certain VPN services.
This applies for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, SE, XS, XR, and other models.
Research has shown that iOS can leak your traffic outside the VPN tunnel because of the vulnerabilities that exist on the newer iOS versions (13.3.1 and later). The first vulnerability was discovered with Proton VPN in March 2020.
For older iOS versions, VPNs work fine and are not susceptible to the VPN tunnel to be unreliable. To ensure a top-tier security and encryption, we recommend using only premium providers like NordVPN or Surfshark.
Do we recommend a free VPN for iPhone?
The short answer is no, free VPNs for iPhone devices are not worth it. For starters, forever-free VPNs are often unreliable. Because they don’t get money from you, they can end up selling your data to earn a profit. In such cases, it’s safer to have no VPN than to have a free one.
As a matter of fact, you might find numerous free VPNs on the App store offering free trials but ending up with spammy intrusive ads, fees for premium features, and unreliable security.
Alternatively, there are completely free iPhone VPNs of premium VPN providers available. You know they’re reliable as their intent is to lure you into buying the premium version. However, they’re fairly limited in servers, speeds, and features. Plus, you’re not likely to bypass geo-restrictions with them.
The best solution is making use of money-back guarantees of premium VPN services for iPhone devices.
- NordVPN – enjoy advanced security, unmatched speeds, and ability to effortlessly bypass geo-restrictions. You can get NordVPN for $2.99/month and make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN also offers a 7-day free trial for Android (you can share the connection to other devices).
- Surfshark – excellent performance and guaranteed privacy are just some of the things you get. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual plans, which start from $1.99/month. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial too.
Video review: best iPhone VPNs
Tired of reading? Check out our video review of the best iPhone VPNs to see what the providers offer and select the best option for you!
Conclusion
Although iPhone devices are known for being secure, they’re not threat proof. Plus, they don’t ensure your ISP doesn’t peek at what you’re doing online.
For this reason, a VPN for iPhone is a great solution security-wise. It hides your IP address as well as all of your data, so no one but you are aware of what you’re doing online. Plus, a VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions of various streaming sites and websites.
Our top pick for iOS devices is NordVPN. It ensures unbreakable security, doesn’t show visible speed reductions, and lets you effortlessly bypass various restrictions.
More iPhone VPN guides from Cybernews
Best free VPNs for iPhone: we tested 42 providers to find best free iPhone VPNs
How to get a VPN on iPhone: detailed guide on how to use and set up VPN on iPhone
How to change your location on iPhone: a simple how-to guide
Change IP address on iPhone: guide on how to change your Ip address on iPhone
How to Fix common VPN errors on iPhone: 19 issues and how to fix them
FAQ
What is the safest VPN for iPhone?
The safest VPN for iPhone is NordVPN. It includes a kill switch and supports secure OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and NordLynx tunneling protocols. Also, it blocks ads, trackers, and malware using the unique Threat Protection feature. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the services.
How do I keep my iOS VPN connection always on?
To pull this off, you'll need to reset your iPhone completely and put it into supervised mode as if you were an organization administrating the device. Then, you'll also need to create an always-on VPN configuration profile using Apple Configurator.
Does a VPN work on an iPad?
iPhones and iPads share the same operating system (currently, iOS 14.5). This makes them identical, which means that the apps are cross-compatible. So, naturally, VPN apps for iPad are the same as VPN apps for iPhones. There might be some icon size tweaks, but generally, you're getting a very similar product.
Do iPhone devices have a built-in VPN?
No, iPhones don't have a built-in VPN. iPhones only have a built-in VPN client, but to connect to it you need to know the server details. So, if you wish to encrypt your connection and secure your browsing online, then you’ll have to invest in a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN as the best iOS VPN.
Can you use a VPN on an iPhone?
Yes, you can and should use a VPN on your iPhone device. While iOS devices are relatively safe, they’re not threat-proof. That’s why using a VPN is useful. It protects your data by encrypting it. Plus, such services as NordVPN even include threat protection, so your iPhone is secured from malware.
Does Apple recommend a VPN for iPhone?
Yes, Apple recommends a VPN for iPhone, and one of its recommendations is to use Per App VPN. While it doesn’t name a precise VPN provider, our tests have shown that NordVPN is the best VPN for iPhone. It uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption, performs at blazing-fast speeds, and unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix. You can get NordVPN for only $2.99/month, now 69%% OFF.
What does a VPN do on an iPhone?
A VPN on an iPhone encrypts your sensitive data and allows you to browse online safely and anonymously. It can also help you change your server location so you can access geo-restricted content or bypass Internet censorship.
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