We’ve come up with a shortlist of the best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for iPhone users, featuring blistering speeds, streaming access, and a long list of interesting features to pick from.
The best VPN for iPhones – both paid and free VPNs – will provide a secure and encrypted connection, and mask your real IP address in the process. An iPhone VPN can enhance your security with features such as split tunnelling, optimised servers, and robust kill switches. Some can be used for secure streaming, while others should definitely be avoided.
Most iPhones contain a lot of sensitive information, and it’s common to use the internet for online shopping, banking and email services. Whether you’re using your mobile data or wifi, without a VPN, your connection might not be secured and you could be at risk of cybercrime.
We’ve tested iPhone VPN apps to establish which ones have super fast performance, can successfully bypass geo-restricted content and protect your online identity with robust security features.
Our top three VPNs for iPhone
All three of our recommended VPNs for iPhone have best-in-class security and high download and streaming speeds, making them all ideal for using on the go. All three apps are intuitive and easy to set up too. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a top-notch VPN.
Our pick for the best overall VPN, it costs just £2.39 per month and comes with an ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee. It scored highest for privacy & security, usability and features and accessed every streaming service during testing with ease. Servers in 111+ countries, capable iPhone app.
With our exclusive deal, our best VPN for speed, Surfshark, can be used for as little as £1.69 per month. It was the fastest VPN overall during testing across all devices, and it comes with a 30-day refund policy as standard. Excellent streaming capabilities for a budget provider, allows for unlimited device connections.
ExpressVPN accessed every streaming service successfully during testing, scoring high marks across the board. It has lots of extra features, including a password manager, Threat Protection, a custom protocol, and more.
Our best Fire Stick VPN list uses objective, data-driven tests for scoring and assesses the factors and subfactors that we believe are most important for anyone considering using a VPN on a TV or similar device. This includes 500+ speed tests across multiple desktop and mobile devices along with testing reliability while streaming with Fire Stick VPN apps. In addition, we considered a number of key aspects when comparing VPNs. The breakdown is as follows:
Our VPN tests compared performance across eight critical factors: privacy & security, speed, pricing, content access, usability, features, customer service and the company. Our overall scores were calculated using mathematical formulas and equations derived from our data-driven testing. Each factor has various subfactors. For instance, when looking at privacy and security (25 per cent), we considered whether the service has a kill switch for all devices, ran IP leak tests, tested encryption, looked for any previous security incidents, considered the company’s jurisdiction, examined the company’s data retention practices and much more. We similarly examined each of the other critical factors listed above. Wherever possible, our VPN tests and reviews used objective and quantifiable data to inform scoring. We also used expert subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process. You can see our testing and scoring process here.
Testing factors and evidence
Rather than asking you to take our word for it, we’ve included information detailing the scoring and evidence we collected for each provider during testing.
For example, you’ll find speed test videos for each VPN in the speed section. Selecting privacy & security will bring up a video of our IP leak tests and an average score for this criterion. For content access, we’ve added a screenshot of the VPN while accessing a popular streaming platform such as BBC iPlayer or Netflix. Pricing has screenshots with the latest fees, while customer service contains videos of our interactions with live chat support.
Features include a rundown of what to expect from each VPN, and we used the Flesch score of the VPN’s homepage to check usability. Finally, we included Companies House information for the company section.
When selecting the best Fire Stick VPNs, we looked at their overall scoring as well as specific results relating to performance, streaming, security and more. This data was used, along with our established best VPN framework, to inform the listings.
As always, the best Fire Stick provider should excel in all areas. Factors like server numbers were considered but didn’t contribute to the overall scoring. To determine reliability, we tested each Fire Stick VPN app with a popular streaming service such as Netflix for an hour, noting any issues or dips in performance. Along with content access and reliability, overall scores were used to inform listings.
Recent updates
Not much has changed in the recent landscape for iPhone VPNs, although I have tested and confirmed that streaming speeds and streaming access are still up-to-date for each provider as of 28 October 2024
Prices accurate as as of 28 October 2024
The best iPhone VPNs right now
We’ve narrowed it down to a top five list of the best VPNs for iPhone available right now.
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, routers, game consoles, and more
Customer support
24/7 live chat
Simultaneous connections
10 devices
Refund policy
30-day guarantee
NordVPN’s best features for iOS
Compatible with Apple’s Voice Control. Users can set up VPN commands with Siri
Nord’s in-house protocol, NordLynx, is available to use on iOS devices. It offers a balance between speed and security
NordVPN overview
NordVPN for iOS is the best option for iPhone users, as it has been for many years. That’s down to a few standout features that set it apart from the competition such as SmartPlay which allows you to watch content safely whether you’re at home or abroad and Meshnet functions as a private network between all your devices where you can remotely access files.NordVPN receives the top score for privacy and security thanks to its audited no-logging policy and base of operations in Panama.
However, its reputation took a hit after a breach in 2018, which it fixed and has been pushing harder than much of the competition to earn back trust by carrying out regular third-party no-log audits of its service and is now one of the most secure options on the market. NordVPN is one of the longer-standing VPN offerings which means the company has managed to build a mighty 6,300+ servers across 111 countries. Plus it uses RAM-based storage, which means nothing is ever truly saved or stored, making your data even more secure.
NordVPN works well on iOS, as well as across a host of other devices including Windows, Mac, Android and Linux, to name a few. The only drawback here is you are limited to ten devices used at the same time, on a basic account. That said, this should be plenty for most and with its Meshnet feature you can get even more devices connected – but details on that below.
The only other stand-out negative would be pricing, which is a little complicated across three-tier options and a bit higher than the average budget provider. There is an inclusion of an ad blocker and malware protection in the Plus package, but the Basic plan will likely serve the needs of most people seeking a VPN alone.
While the iOS app is feature-rich, it manages this while remaining easy to use with a clear and attractive interface, offering a helpful map and advanced features for you to drill down into if you need them. More on those details next.
When it comes to unique features, NordVPN really pushes the envelope. You can search for specific servers offering basic VPN coverage. Or go into the Speciality Servers tab to find those specifically ideal for Double VPN enhanced protection, as well as Onion Over VPN and P2P torrent-friendly options. NordVPN for iOS also offers dark web monitoring so you’ll be notified if your credentials are exposed online.
Traffic routing is another stand-out feature. Meshnet allows you to share the same IP address across remote devices, by routing all your internet traffic through a linked desktop device – manageable via iOS. It essentially creates a private network that lets you work with up to 60 devices directly, making it ideal for super secure file sharing, multiplayer gaming or work collaboration.
The company’s own NordLynx protocol – based on the legendary WireGuard – makes service super fast while retaining privacy, this makes itone of the best iOS VPNs for streaming Netflix – whatever country you find yourself in – really makes this appealing.
So how fast is “fast”? In our testing, on a 466MB line, we were getting a top speed of 255MB on a UK to US server setup. Even for further afield, like a UK to Australia connection, speeds still held up at 189MB for downloads. It’s worth noting uploads dropped from a line connection of 383MB down to 140MB via UK to US and a meagre 23MB on the UK to Australia line. So if you’re planning to do a lot of video uploads from your iPhone, for example, this is worth keeping in mind.
While there aren’t any specialised streaming servers listed, NordVPN does perform very well across a variety of locations for Netflix. Thanks to the Smart DNS it does well to deal with blocks and a P2P specific server list can be very helpful when it comes to torrents.
There is a Plus tier which also gets you a data breach scanner, tracker, ad blocker, malware protection and a password manager. Go for the Ultimate options and you also get 1TB of encrypted cloud storage, and cyber insurance, too. But for iOS alone the basics are more than enough.
NordVPN on iOS is fast while remaining super-secure in terms of online privacy. The pricing isn’t the lowest but you do get a lot of features for that money. So, if you want a VPN for streaming or torrents, as well as secure networking, this is a very powerful and reliable option. Given the high overall scores, it’s my top choice as the best VPN for iPhone.
NordVPN test results and overall scores
Here's where you'll find some of the tests, scoring, and criteria we used to inform this NordVPN review.
9.37
Privacy and security
7.79
Speed
10
Content access
7.85
Pricing
9
Usability
9.68
Features
8
Company
9
Customer service
Factor
NordVPN
Overall score
8.80
Speed overall score
7.79
MacOS average speeds
402.00 Mbps
Windows average speeds
249.68 Mbps
iOS average speeds
191.00 Mbps
Android average speeds
156.33 Mbps
Content access overall score
10.0
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Pricing overall score
7.85
Free trial? Y/N
Y (Android, seven days)
12-month price
£52.35
Privacy and security score
9.00
Audited no-log policy? Y/N
Y
Last logging policy audit date
2023
Usability score
9.00
Features score
9.68
Ad blocker? Y/N
Y
Company score
8.00
Customer service score
9.00
aming or torrents, as well as secure networking, this is a very powerful and reliable option. Given the high overall scores, it’s my top choice as the best VPN for iPhone.
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, routers, game consoles and more
Customer support
24/7 live chat
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Refund policy
30-day guarantee
Surfshark’s best features for iPhone
Servers support streaming and peer-to-peer networking (P2P)
Specific iOS widget
Surfshark overview
Surfshark is the VPN that stood out on our list for affordability and undercut everyone on price. What’s equally impressive is how Surfshark offers some of the fastest speeds out there but is yet to be beaten on price. Plus, it holds fast on security with privacy protections that are backed by a no-logs policy, which is audited to ensure you’re getting what it says it delivers. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and decent 24/7 customer support, this is a really easy iPhone VPN to try out for beginners.
Surfshark combines AES-256 encryption, 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, obfuscated RAM-only servers and a no-logs policy for some of the most impressive privacy on the market, all without bumping up the price on this iPhone VPN. Surfshark can be installed on an unlimited number of devices, making it potentially cheaper if you share your VPN with friends or family.
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which isn’t the best location for a VPN headquarters given it’s a Nine Eyes country (countries that are part of an intelligence-sharing alliance).
Surfshark also offers a pretty unique Alternative ID feature, which I enjoyed as it allowed me to set up a fake online version of me to use to traverse online. The feature uses a generated name, address and email address to keep you safe from scammers and spammers while still getting full access to everything you need online.
The Surfshark iOS app is clean and minimal; I opened it and quickly connected in a single icon press. Dive deeper and you canset that connect button to go to the fastest server or a specified server of your choosing. Surfshark offers three types of IP features; rotating IPs, dedicated IPs, and static IPs. Rotating IPs allow you to change your temporary VPN IP address every so often while connected, along with a kill switch, and CleanWeb which works to block ads and tracking automatically. Dedicated IPs and static IPs are similar; a dedicated IP address is reserved just for you while the latter is a fixed IP address that may be used by others or for multiple websites.
In testing, I found speeds were impressive, on a 483MB line getting 285MB UK to US server downloads and massive 45MB uploads. Pushing that further afield for UK to Australia speeds stayed high at 228MB down and 14MB up. Crucially this was consistent so I could jump about to different locations and still rely on those speeds serving most needs – like streaming in 4K and HDR.
Surfshark is a very affordable VPN option while offering top-end security and privacy thanks to RAM memory, audited no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption. It does all that while offering fast WireGuard protocol speeds, P2P support and access to nearly all the streaming services – with an easy-to-use iOS interface to take advantage of it all.
Surfshark test results and overall scores
Here's where you'll find some of the tests, scoring, and criteria we used to inform this Surfshark review.
8.12
Privacy and security
8.25
Speed
9.50
Content access
8.40
Pricing
8.07
Usability
9.63
Features
7.07
Company
9
Customer service
Factor
Surfshark
Overall score
8.49
Performance overall score
8.25
MacOS average speeds
444.67 Mbps
Android average speeds
162.00 Mbps
iOS average speeds
426.00 Mbps
Windows average speeds
255.31 Mbps
Content access overall score
9.50
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, web browsers and Chromebook
Customer support
Knowledge base, live chat (for customers only) and submit a request form
Simultaneous connections
10
Refund policy
30-day money back guarantee
ProtonVPN’s best features for iOS
iOS widgets for quick VPN access
Netshield, blocks unwanted ads, trackers and malware
ProtonVPN overview
Proton VPN is an excellent iOS VPN for privacy and security with private auditing on its 4,8,000+ servers which are spread over 112 countries.The fact it is based in Switzerland, with many strict privacy laws, had me feeling at ease right from the get-go. However, if you’re looking for a free service, Proton VPN offers some of the most impressive features and speeds for what is undoubtedly the best free iPhone VPN without a data cap.
ProtonVPN was recently audited by Securitum and its report concluded that Proton complies with its no-logs policy. This isn’t the first time either, Proton has now passed three consecutive annual third-party audits. The provider also offers a diverse range of multihop servers, which routes your traffic through multiple servers making it difficult to track online activity. Plus, a kill switch and AES-256 encryption add more layers for peace of mind. There’s even a Stealth obfuscation protocol option if you want more security, where a new encryption key is generated each time you connect. Again, this is a simple toggle in the iOS app to switch on making it easy to use only when needed.
One of the fun iOS features that doesn’t get much attention is the use of widgets. This means you can access features on the app, including connecting quickly, right from your home screen without even opening the app. I usually only opened the app for specific tasks, like connecting to a preferred location, turning on the kill switch or changing protocol – although I mostly stuck to the more than adequate WireGuard option.
Speed was a standout feature in testing. On a 436MB connection I was getting, UK to US, downloads at a stunning 418MB and uploads at 26MB. Even using a UK to Australia setup I was hitting 356MB down and 23MB up – consistently. This is likely thanks to the VPN Accelerator that I toggled on for “400 per cent faster speeds” which I obviously never turned off again.
ProtonVPN’s server numbers and available countries have grown quickly over the last year, making this one to watch. We also found it impressive that focus appears to have extended to the iOS app where many of Proton’s best features are included. More often than not, other VPN providers leave out features or offer fewer servers where Apple is concerned, so this is refreshing to experience from Proton.
Offering a free version with unlimited data and a 30-day trial, Proton VPN is an easy app to try before you buy. As such, it is out to impress and delivers with super fast speeds, a very feature-rich iOS VPN app and Swiss security and privacy to set your mind at ease.
Proton VPN test results and overall scores
Here's where you'll find some of the tests, scoring, and criteria we used to inform this Proton VPN review.
8.27
Privacy and security
7.62
Speed
10
Content access
7.75
Pricing
8.29
Usability
9.47
Features
10
Company
10
Customer service
Factor
Proton VPN
Overall score
8.44
Performance overall score
7.62
MacOS average speeds
411.00 Mbps
Android average speeds
126.68 Mbps
iOS average speeds
143.00 Mbps
Windows average speeds
405.00 Mbps
Content access overall score
10.0
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Virgin TV Go, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, routers, game consoles, and more
Customer support
Live chat and knowledge base
Simultaneous connections
Eight
Refund policy
30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s best features for iOS
Live 24-hour support via live chat and email
ExpressVPN overview
ExpressVPN is a VPN mainstay, often paving the way with advanced features, like with its early rollout of RAM-only servers. It’s now offering one of the most distilled and minimal iOS apps out there. This can be a great thing for ease but may prove too minimal for those seeking more depth.
That said, it does the basics well and we commend its high-speed connections with its custom Lightway protocol, security with third-party audited no-logging policy, AES-256 encryption, streaming support for the likes of Netflix and more, thanks to smart DNS support.
Open the iOS app and a single press has you connected instantly using a smart setup for the best location nearby, or choose a recent connection from the server list. You can also pick a server from a list via search functionality.
I found the 24/7 customer support useful; I could ask about what I was trying to do before getting directed to the best server to suit my needs. The DNS leak checker and IP address checker tools are practical and there is also ‘Keys’, a dedicated password manager service built into the app. There’s also ad blocking, tracker stopping and even parental controls you can toggle on or off. It’s all minimal but feels comprehensive enough to suit most needs while keeping that clean iOS feel.
We found ExpressVPN’s iOS app lacked some features that are available for other operating systems, such as split tunnelling. This means iOS users cannot choose which web or app traffic to route via their VPN.
In testing, speeds were very good with a 380MB line offering UK to US downloads at 245MB and uploads at 49MB. For UK to Australia connections that dropped to 84MB down and 9MB up. This is definitely built to perform better over local servers when it comes to speed.
ExpressVPN offers a super easy-to-use iOS app that’s fast, secure and offers advanced features to cover the needs of most users. It’s one of the easiest VPN apps to use, offering a quick connect button to connect you to the best suited server is ideal for beginners. Although the lack of split tunnelling and multihop aren’t ideal, ExpressVPN is a decent iOS VPN that’s reliable with a high level of security and privacy.
ExpressVPN test results and overall scores
Here's where you'll find some of the tests, scoring, and criteria we used to inform this ExpressVPN review.
8.77
Privacy and security
7.62
Speed
10
Content access
6.90
Pricing
8.95
Usability
9.05
Features
10
Company
9.5
Customer service
Factor
ExpressVPN
Overall score
8.46
Performance overall score
7.62
MacOS average speeds
483 Mbps
Android average speeds
269.19 Mbps
iOS average speeds
113.33 Mbps
Windows average speeds
229.67 Mbps
Content access overall score
10.0
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Virgin TV Go, All 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
User-friendly apps with labelled streaming servers
Extended 45-day money-back guarantee for subscriptions longer than six months
11,000+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries
Cons
One-month plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee
No double VPN, Onion over VPN, or obfuscated servers
Geo-restrictions in some countries, including China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates
Specifications
Server countries
100
Server locations
126
Devices supported
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, web browsers, Fire TV Stick, Smart TVs, games consoles and more
Customer support
Live chat, knowledge base and submit a request form
Simultaneous connections
Seven
Refund policy
45 days (six-month or annual subscription)
CyberGhost’s best features for iOS
Streaming specific servers
CyberGhost overview
CyberGhost has one of the largest networks of servers at over 11,000, all of which are RAM-based and cover 100 countries. That’s great for a wide area of coverage and secure access but there are some geo-restrictions. This VPN won’t work in China, Turkey or the UAE, so might be something to consider if you’re looking to travel to one of these locations. The servers make streaming easy, in my experience, giving me access to any service at the first time of asking, like other best iPhone VPNs on our list.
The CyberGhost iOS VPN app has a minimalist landing page with a single connection button that can be set to access the quickest speeds. Alternatively, you can select from a favourites list or a streaming-specific set of servers Streaming servers are great for speed, your provider chooses which serves are best for the platform you wish to stream from. I found the dedicated IP option (for a fee) and the connection checker to set my mind at ease knowing my IP address was hidden and that I could see if my VPN connection had dropped out putting me at risk.
CyberGhost was recently independently audited and their no logs policy was found to be in order suggesting it’s plenty secure. The reliable kill switch and consistency in my leak tests also helped add to the security gusto for this VPN.
I expected great results from CyberGhost, with the “best speed” server laid out front and centre and I was not let down during testing. Using a 387MB connection it was able to manage UK to US to deliver 340MB down and 45MB upload speeds. Further afield I saw UK to Australia downloads of 237MB and uploads of 16MB.
All impressive but it was the streaming abilities that made this provider stand out, with specific servers tuned to offer the best connectivity and speeds which made this ideal for proper 4K and HDR quality streaming – ideal for an iPhone or iPad.
CyberGhost offers an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee – two weeks longer than most other providers. However, this is only applicable for longer subscriptions, with one-month deals coming with a 14-day money-back guarantee instead.
CyberGhost is fast, secure and tailored to streaming with an iOS app that’s minimal yet offers decent protection options. Connecting to longer distance speeds isn’t bad but a few more features like split tunnelling would be welcome.
CyberGhost test results and overall scores
Here's where you'll find some of the tests, scoring, and criteria we used to inform this CyberGhost review.
7.57
Privacy and security
7.31
Speed
8.50
Content access
7.40
Pricing
8.12
Usability
8.4
Features
10
Company
7.75
Customer service
Factor
CyberGhost
Overall score
7.82
Performance overall score
7.31
MacOS average speeds
273.33 Mbps
Android average speeds
133.49 Mbps
iOS average speeds
131.67 Mbps
Windows average speeds
394.67 Mbps
Content access overall score
8.50
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
To compare the best iPhone VPNs, we considered several key factors:
Encryption: a good VPN for an iPhone should have strong encryption that will protect your Apple device when browsing or using apps – AES-256 is widely considered to be the most unbreakable encryption available. The VPN should also support secure protocols, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard
No-logs policy: this policy ensures the VPN provider does not collect or monitor any information about your online activities from your iOS device while using their service. Many providers have verified the robustness of their policies by inviting independent VPN audits – every VPN we’ve listed above has an audited no-logs policy
Fast and stable connections: a good iPhone VPN will still retain a good level of speed while using the VPN app. We chose VPNs with multiple servers in different locations that were also capable of bypassing geo-restrictions for gaming and streaming
Security features: we looked for dedicated iOS VPNs with security features such as a kill switch, split tunnelling, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, all of which give users an added layer of security
Subscription price: Pricing was also an important factor to consider. We compared the pricing and plans offered by each VPN provider. Some offer a VPN free trial or money-back guarantee, which allows users to test the service before committing to a subscription
Why do you need a VPN for your iPhone?
Using a VPN on your iPhone enhances privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic, masking your IP address, and allowing access to geo-restricted or censored content. It also protects you from the security flaws of public wifi networks, which can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, malware, and data theft. Mobile banking, online shopping accounts, and messaging apps are all valuable to hackers; using a VPN protects your personal information to a greater extent.
An iPhone VPN will change your IP address, encrypting your connection in the process. This allows the user to access various sites and services, including streaming platforms, and blocked social media sites. You’ll be able to avoid throttling, censorship, and it will provide a boost to online privacy. You can do a similar thing if you want to stream all your favourite shows with a Fire Stick VPN.
Choose a reputable VPN provider: research and select a trustworthy VPN service that meets your needs in terms of privacy, security, and server locations. NordVPN is our top pick for iOS
Download the VPN app: go to the App Store, search for the chosen VPN provider’s app, and download it onto your iPhone
Install and launch the app: open the app and follow any necessary prompts to complete the installation. Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.
Configure VPN settings: most VPN apps will guide you through the configuration process. You may need to grant the app permission to add VPN configurations to your device. In some cases, you may also be asked to select a server location or adjust settings such as encryption protocols
Connect to the VPN: once the app is set up, tap the connect button. The app should display a connected status, often with a VPN icon in your iPhone’s status bar
Verify your connection: you can check your new IP address and location by visiting a website like whatismyip.com. This will confirm whether your traffic is being routed through the VPN server or not.
What to look for when buying a VPN for an iPhone
When selecting a VPN for your iPhone, consider the following factors:
Compatibility: ensure the VPN provider has a dedicated iOS app compatible with your iPhone’s operating system version
Security: look for solid encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, or WireGuard, and features like a kill switch, which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops
Privacy policy: choose a provider with a strict no-logs policy, as this means there is no record of your online activities
Speed and performance: opt for a VPN with fast servers and minimal impact on your internet speed. An extensive server network and multiple server locations will ensure optimal performance
Ease of use: the app should have a user-friendly interface
Customer support: reliable customer support, including live chat and email assistance, is important in case you encounter any issues
Price and subscription plans: compare price plans, considering the features offered. Look for a provider with a money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service before committing
Reputation and reviews: research user reviews and recommendations to gauge the VPN provider’s overall reputation and the quality of its service
A free VPN often provides less security and privacy for iOS devices. Typically, a free VPN won’t have a no-logs policy that ensures users’ data is never stored or logged. A free service from the Apple App Store usually lacks key features, such as split tunnelling and a kill switch, and comes with a limited data allowance.
The majority of free iPhone VPNs should be avoided, as they generally can’t be trusted with your personal data. It’s not unheard of for free providers to sell user data to monetise the service. Others come with malware attached, hoping to trick unsuspecting users into infecting their own devices. Lastly, some free VPNs lack basic encryption and leak your IP address while connected.The only free VPN we would recommend is Proton VPN Free. It comes with an unlimited amount of data and an independently audited no-logs policy, which is very rare for free services. With Proton VPN free, users can connect to one of 22 servers in three locations and all web activity will be encrypted by AES-256.
How to use a VPN on iPhone
This section will help you understand how to use VPN on iPhone settings. If you ever change your VPN provider, this method will also show you how to change VPN on iPhone. Once you’ve downloaded a VPN app onto your phone and registered with the provider, follow these steps to set up a VPN on your iPhone:
Tap on your Settings app
Choose General
Press VPN
Tap Add VPN Configuration
Press Type and pick the VPN protocol you want to use. Likely IKEv2, IPSec, or L2TP
Type in a description and a server name for the VPN
Type in your username and password
Click Auto or Manual to enable a proxy server (if you are using one)
Press Done
This will enable the VPN in your iPhone settings. Now you’ll need to activate it when you want to use the VPN:
Go to the Settings app on your phone
Go to General
Choose VPN
Tap the status switch on your VPN to turn it on
If you want to turn off the VPN on your iPhone, then just repeat steps one to four above.
Best VPN for iPhone Q&A
No, iPhones don’t currently have any true built-in VPNs – but there are a number of good VPN apps compatible with iPhones available for download on the Apple App Store. The best iPhone VPN apps will support automatic and manual configuration and conceal your real IP address to bypass geo-restrictions. iCloud+ subscription holders do have access to a Safari feature called Apple Private Relay, but while the service can keep your browsing data private using proxy servers, it is not a true VPN.
In all honesty, it depends on what you plan to use your iPhone VPN for. For instance, NordVPN is our top recommendation for the average iOS user, but alternatives like Surfshark might be better if you’re looking for a cheap solution. If you’re more interested in streaming support, CyberGhost or ExpressVPN will be helpful. Anyone in need of a decent free tier or advanced privacy features will be well served by the likes of Proton VPN.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see improved connection speeds while using an iOS VPN. The manner of encryption tends to lead to slower speeds, although the majority of premium providers will be able to negate any loss in performance.
It’s never a good idea to blindly trust any online services with your personal data, but an audited VPN is a better option than entrusting your data to your ISP and the sites you visit. Once again, we’d strongly recommend avoiding using a random free VPN service, especially if it lacks an independently audited no-logs policy.
An iPhone VPN can save money when shopping online by allowing you to change your virtual location to access different prices or deals. Some e-commerce websites display prices based on the user’s location or IP address. Connecting to a VPN server in a different region or country can potentially find lower prices for the same products or services, ultimately saving money on your purchases.
Round up of today’s best VPN deals
NordVPN 2 year
£2.49 /Month
£2.49 /Month
Surfshark 24 month
£1.69 /Month
£1.69 /Month
ExpressVPN 12 month
£6.80 /Month
£6.80 /Month
CyberGhost 2 year
£1.92 /Month
£1.92 /Month
Proton 2 year
£3.85 /Month
£3.85 /Month
PIA 2 year
£1.69 /Month
£1.69 /Month
Atlas 2 year
£1.34 /Month
£1.34 /Month
PrivadoVPN 2 year
£1.48 /Month
£1.48 /Month
Windscribe 12 month
£4.54 /Month
£4.54 /Month
IPVanish 2 year
£1.58 /Month
£1.58 /Month
How we review iOS VPNs
Our VPN for iPhone review scores are determined the following categories:
Privacy and performance (30%)
Features and functionality (30%)
Reputation and credibility (25%)
Plans and pricing/value (10%)
Customer experience (5%)
We research and test a total of 25 elements within these categories including:
Number and location of servers
Streaming service accessibility
Security features such as AES-256
Performance (upload, download, latency)
Value for money, guarantees, and customer service
Independent server-site security audits
All of our VPN articles are verified by our in-house team of fact-checkers, so you can be assured our content is as accurate and current as possible. Learn more about our methodology for reviewing VPNs here.
If you’re looking to protect your privacy while using your iPhone, then NordVPN is the best option. Its double VPN encryption adds more privacy to your browsing, and performance is top-notch too. Plus, at less than £3 per month , it’s hard to beat the price.
If you’re new to VPNs or just want to enhance your iPhone’s privacy without a complicated app, Surfshark is a great option. It had a low impact on speeds in our testing, meaning you can have it running in the background and hardly notice. It’s also one of the cheapest VPNs , making it a no-brainer.
Travelling and need to use your iPhone to access your favourite websites back home? ExpressVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions, making it ideal for keeping up with the news while you’re abroad. The downside is that it’s more expensive than its competitors.
Luke has been writing about technology and science for almost two decades now. As such he’s been covering VPNs since they first started making a mainstream appearance. He also specialises in cars, TVs, health and fitness tech, sound systems, smart homes, power tools, white goods, toys and more. When he’s not doing all that he likes to surf, cinema and cycle.
Dr. Phil Legg (MCIIS, FHEA, PhD, BSc) is a Professor of Cyber Security at the University of the West of England (UWE). He is the Co-Director of UWEcyber, a Gold Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE) as recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre, and he is the Programme Leader of the NCSC-certified MSc Cyber Security course at UWE.
He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Higher Education (Distinction), and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He has CompTIA PenTest+, Security+ and Microsoft Azure professional certifications. He is recognised as a Full Member of the Chartered Institution of Information Security (MCIIS).
Professor Legg is passionate about outreach and works closely with schools and colleges across the region to upskill in cyber security education, and he is a founding member of CISSEUK – a collaboration network across academia, industry and government to support all levels of cyber security education.
Prior to joining UWE in 2015, he worked at the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure as part of the Corporate Insider Threat Detection research programme.
James Milin-Ashmore has covered cybersecurity and VPNs since the mid-2010s, writing for industry publications and services such as VPN Mentor, Liquid VPN, Comparitech, Bleeping Computer, ProPrivacy, AlwaysVPN, and more.
With a focus on ethics and digital privacy, his work has been featured in a range of publications, including the Activist Handbook and Reader’s Digest. In his spare time, he’s likely to be watching sports, or taking his dog for a walk around Hertfordshire.
Disclaimer
The data in this review is reported from a neutral stance and should be used for informational purposes only. We review VPN services based on:
The quality of the product regarding the security and privacy it affords the user
The user experience of the application(s)
Connection speeds and overall performance in terms of reliability
The level and quality of customer service
Independent Advisor strongly recommends that you follow the local laws in your region while using a VPN. We do not condone the use of a VPN to bypass copyright restrictions or stream content without a valid subscription in your current region. Make sure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations while using a VPN with streaming services and any other relevant platforms.
